Dermot O'Leary and the Legend of the Wildcat!
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One of TV’s most popular presenters really is wild about an animal with the X-Factor which is threatened with extinction.
And to prove it star Dermot O’Leary called in at the Highland Wildlife Park by Kincraig yesterday to do his bit to push for the survival of the Scottish Wildcat.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) attraction is home to a brand new breeding centre, with the first wildcat kits expected to be released into the Cairngorms next year.
Dermot, long-time presenter of the X-Factor and an ITV This Morning host amongst many other telly shows, was joined by award-winning author Cressida Cowell, creator of the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ book series, for the special event.
They were meeting virtually with school children across the UK and beyond to share their love of reading, writing and the benefits of reading for pleasure.
Dermot has just recently released his latest book, ‘Toto the Ninja Cat and the Legend of the Wildcat’ and was delighted to see a wildcat up close on his trip – his first to the strath.
He was hoping to see a bit more of the local area before heading to Glasgow last night.
Dermot said on his visit yesterday: “It was quite surreal to wake up three hours ago and open the train window and thinking I might be outside Motherwell and finding myself in the Highlands.
“I have been to Inverness before but that was just in and out as we hired a car and headed over to the islands. So I have not properly experienced the Highlands; it is very exciting.
"No two days are the same in my my job and it takes me to some wonderful places but then you feel quite cheated you can not stay there long enough.”
Wildcats are at the heart of his fifth book in the children’s series, and Dermot revealed: “I sponsor a Scottish wildcat up here so it is lovely to come and see them.”
In the plot, Toto’s brothers, Silver and Socks, and their best pal find themselves heading to a bootcamp for naughty animals in the Highlands.
Dermot said: “That’s from a true story from my friend who has a Parson Russell Terrier who was so naughty that he sent him away for a week to the wilds of Wales to what was almost like an animal borstal.
“He did really well but failed at the end when he had to walk through a chicken coop and he lost his rag.”
Fortunately for the chickens they were out of harm’s reach.
On being an author, Dermot said: “I love it all. It is very different to the day job. There is a commonality with being a musician. I finally understand what it is like to release an album and then want to get it back and change this bit and that.
“I love the process of writing and there is something kind of overwhelming about when you go out and meet with kids who have enjoyed the books, especially now they are a collection and kids are properly immersed in it.”
Dermot O’Leary admitted his bar was “quite low” when it came to spotting wildlife, what with his home being in London.
He admitted: “I was very excited just now to see a red squirrel!”.
The well-known TV personality joined The Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour for the day.
The initiative is being supported by Scottish Friendly and organised by Scottish Book Trust.
During the pandemic, the tour has been delivered virtually throughout classrooms in Scotland, with educational watch-on-demand video content viewed over 100,000 times.
Dermot and Cressida were both sharing how Scotland has shaped their stories, as well as offering tips and advice for any budding writers or illustrators.
Pupils also had the opportunity to ask the pair questions about their work.
Ahead of the event, Cressida said: “Scotland inspired the How to Train Your Dragon series and it’s always a pleasure to return and meet pupils.
Later in the afternoon, Dermot was joining Jasper Hughes, RZSS Discovery and Learning Officer, and the Saving Wildcats team to find out more about Scotland’s wildcats.
Beccy Angus, head of discovery and learning at the RZSS, said: “The story of wildcats in Scotland has been a heart-breaking one until now. Wildcats are the rarest and most threatened mammal in Britain but, as the lead partner in Saving Wildcats, we are working hard to secure the future of the Highland tiger.”
As for the other real star of the show, Dermot’s blind pet cat Toto, she is enjoying a “happy middle age” and exploring the garden at the new London family home.
The cat lover said: “She is looking forward to the summer as she is a sun worshipper.”
Dermot said it is the first time Toto has had a garden to enjoy and remarked: “She was charging around... in a strange way it was quite emotional to see her running around outside.”
