Family's delight as pet tortoise which went missing from their Ullapool holiday cottage a year ago, turns up safe and well
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SHE was never likely to make the speediest getaway.
But when Saffy the tortoise went on the run from a holiday cottage by Loch Broom last July she somehow eluded capture for almost a year.
With no sightings over the Highland winter, the 18-year-old Hermann’s tortoise – more at home in balmy southern Europe – was feared dead.
To the amazement of locals and her Fife-based owner, though, the renegade reptile showed up alive and well last Sunday morning after 351 days in hiding, just 20 feet from where she disappeared.
Owner Liz Jamieson and husband David, both in their 70s, holiday at Leckmelm Farm Holiday Cottages, three miles south of Ullapool, every year. Saffy and five other pet tortoises come with them.
On July 27 last year, Saffy spotted her chance and escaped through a hole in her pen that has been plugged by rocks.
Holiday cottage proprietor Lucy Beattie and neighbours spent hours scouring the shoreline and fields without success, before the Jamiesons’ two-week break ended. Mrs Jamieson, of Grange Gait, Monifieth, Fife, never gave up hope, but there was dread as winter loomed. “We did hope she might survive, but I was very worried as the weeks and months went by,” Mrs Jamieson said. “When the call came on Sunday, we were just amazed.”
None of Saffy’s five companions – Heidi, Tommy, GT, Diamond and Cherry – dared make their escape.
The cold-blooded creature, seven inches long, ran the risk of perishing in damp or frost, while combine harvester work nearby was another threat.
“They are quite pampered at home with heat pads, and well fed on tomatoes and cucumbers,” Mrs Jamieson explained. “My husband isn’t so keen when they get into his greenhouse!
“Saffy must have survived on dandelions and clover in the grass, drinking the morning dew.
“Tortoises can hibernate from mid October until early March, but need prepped so food or urine in their system doesn’t poison them. Saffy must have done it all herself. I’m just so happy!”
Saffy was found by holiday cottage occupant Susan Eltringham, who will return her to Fife on Saturday for a great reunion. Mrs Beattie’s daughter Brenna Fraser (10), is now taking care of Saffy.
“Saffy looks in good health and is eating well, scoffing on our fresh lettuces,” Mrs Beattie said.
“We’re all just gobsmacked, but absolutely thrilled for Liz.”
