Following in the fearsome pawsteps of a mouse-catching record holder was always going to be difficult.
But eight-week-old Peat – who has won one of the most coveted of all feline jobs, the role of official mouser at The Famous Grouse Experience at Glenturret Distillery – has struck it lucky as his new position no longer requires any dealings with rodents.
While his predecessor Towser caught 28,899 mice in her 24 years at the distillery, grabbing a Guinness World Record in the process, Peat has more of a social role to play.
The newest member of the Glenturret team will be responsible for greeting more than 100,000 visitors who tour the site each year.
For many, the highlight of their trip will be an introduction to “the Distillery Cat”, which has been all part of the experience since Towser shot to fame.
And while mousing is not a requirement for his new role, Peat may yet be able to test out his natural hunting instincts.
When he is not busy greeting visitors, the kitten will be given the freedom to roam the grounds of the distillery – although he will have a long way to go to catch up with his illustrious predecessor.
A record of Towser’s achievements is on display as part of the distillery’s recent £250,000 refurbishment, which was officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge last month.
Peat is the latest feline to join the team and replaces Barley, a resident tomcat who vanished last winter and, despite repeated attempts to find him, has not returned.
Lesley Williamson, business development manager of The Famous Grouse Experience, said: “We were very sorry to lose Barley, however the team are truly delighted to welcome Peat to our Glenturret Distillery family.
“The fluffy little bundle has been charming his way into our visitors’ hearts this week, has already made himself at home in our new Tasting Bar and is showing signs of settling in nicely.”