This fascinating photo is just one of many captured of the notorious Scottish wildcat.
The photographs are being taken as part of a new research project in the Highlands which aims to get a better insight into these secretive yet endangered animals. The Scottish wild cat is one of the last remaining large predators in Scotland and conservationists believe the project will prevent the species from being wiped out.
As part of the work being undertaken in Cairngorms National Park, specialist camera equipment, known as photo-traps, have been attached to trees in the area. Motion detectors and infra-red technology allows the camera to take pictures of passing animals over a long period of time.
Despite being in it's early stages, the cameras have already taken impressive images of the cats along with other animals in the park including golden eagles.
Dr David Hetherington, of Cairngorms National Park Authority and leader of the project, told BBC Scotland "these camera traps are an excellent way of us getting a much better insight into where wildcats live, when they're active, and what habitat they are using."
Experts believe the wildcat population has fallen to just 400 and that inter-breeding with domestic cats could be the main problem. That is why they are encouraging cat owners to get their pets neutered.
Dr Hetherington explained "The major threat to wildcats these days is hybridisation, or inter-breeding, with domestic cats. Although they are quite different and have a completely different temperament, they are actually quite closely related genetically to domestic cats so they can produce fertile hybrids."
He continues " if that continues we are going to lose our pure Scottish wildcat."
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