Tigger the airport cat lapping up attention

A CURIOUS cat which regularly visits Sumburgh Airport is becoming something of a local celebrity on social media.

Tigger has regularly been seen hanging out in the south mainland airport, lounging on its seats for naps and purring up close with passengers.

As a result, the ginger moggie has become something of a social media star – with travellers regularly uploading photos of the friendly cat online.

Airport staff said the 17-year-old feline has been visiting the building back and forth for a number of years, but it only comes inside during the summer.

During the winter months, Tigger tends to stay at home in nearby Toab.

His owner would often come in and take him back, but eventually we just gave up because he would be waiting at 6am for the staff to come in,” said head of airport services Lesley Still.

These days Tigger often gets a lift home at closing time with staff who live in Toab.

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It seems the resident cat is having a ‘pawsitive’ impact on travellers, as well as the workforce – especially those who are scared of flying.

“I was scared for travelling alone to Edinburgh because I’m a terrible flyer,” said Shetlander Katrina Williamson.

“But when I saw him and gave him a peerie cuddle it totally relaxed me. I felt much happier.

Airport development manager Andy Gower said that Tigger helps to show Sumburgh’s “human” side.“I think there’s something very calming and relaxing about animals and when you’re on a journey that’s really worrying you, having him sitting there so chilled makes you feel a lot less manic.”

“There’s been so many images of him – he’s had a lot of recognition on Facebook,” he said.

“From an airport point of view, I think it’s good because it shows a human side, provided that’s within reason, because we’ve got food outlets. It’s finding that balance between where it can work together.”

The staff added that during a fire alarm a couple of weeks ago, well-trained Tigger actually vacated the building with everyone else before returning when the all-clear was given.