No prizes for guessing this breed's country of origin! Descended from the original Scottish Fold (shorthaired) found in a Perthshire farmyard near the town of Coupar Angus in 1961, no one seems to know exactly when the first longhaired version appeared. It seems that the British Shorthair, which has been used as a breeding partner for the Fold ever since it was discovered, has introduced the longhair gene from its past Persian ancestry, leading to longhaired Fold kittens turning up unexpectedly in Shorthair litters.
Erroneously called the "Highland" Fold by some American and European registries this breed has nothing whatsoever to do with the Highlands of Scotland. The Cat Association (CA) in 1992 adopted the name Coupari, after the breed’s town of origin.
Although the GCCF decided to stop registering Scottish Folds back in 1974, the breed (both long- and shorthaired) has since been recognised throughout the world.

Appearance
Unusual because of the form of its ears, this unique breed still retains many characteristics of its barn cat ancestor. Broad and muscular the Longhaired Scottish Fold is a sturdy breed and is rarely small in size. It has a moderate body length with stocky legs rather similar to the British Shorthair. The tail is medium or medium-long in length, however, and is tapered in shape. A thick short neck supports a large, round head. The nose is quite short with a 'break' but absolutely no 'stop' like a Persian or Exotic. Large round eyes set apart often with a 'stare' give this cat the owl-y look for which it is famous.
The ears, the breed's trademark, sit on the head like little caps folded downwards and forwards. They are not rigid and a Fold can swivel, raise and wiggle its ears when it hears an interesting noise just like any other cat. Ears vary in size and in their degree of tightness of folding. The tighter ones are preferred for showing.
Like most breeds males tend to be larger than females and may have a more 'jowly' appearance.

Coat type and care
The longhaired 'Scottie', like the shorthaired version, has a "well padded" appearance but the coat is semi-long to long and, although individual coats vary, the fur is usually very soft and silky. It generally does not have the cotton quality of the Persian coat and is less likely to matt and tangle. The fur is longer around the neck where it forms a ruff and longer on the back legs forming breeches. The tail fur is long and flowing. Ears are usually furnished with delightful tufts.
As with all longhaired cats, regular grooming is necessary but this is not so demanding as with a Persian. Breeders recommend hand grooming. Only a moderate amount of combing and brushing is needed but bathing is essential for the show cat.
Ears require no more care than in the usual upright-eared breeds. The suggestion that this breed is more prone to ear mites is entirely untrue.

Colours and patterns
All colours and all patterns can be bred in the Longhaired Scottish Fold and are recognised by the Cat Association in Britain. 'Susie', the original Fold found in1961, was white and this colour has a dedicated following. Orange, blue and odd eyes are accepted, but like other white-coated cats there is always the chance a white Fold can be deaf. Fortunately, though, this is extremely rare. Solid and patched colours, particularly bi-colours, are very popular. Colourpointeds, Chocolate and Lilac varieties are a new addition.

Character and temperament
you will find this a hardy cat mainly, perhaps, because of its farmyard background in the harsh Scottish climate. The hardiness and health of this breed is something of great importance to reputable breeders who follow a system of outcrossing to avoid in-line breeding. They are not prone to illness largely due to their history of hybridisation and careful breeding and will often live well into their teens especially if neutered, vaccinated and well cared for. They appear to tolerate cold weather better than most breeds.
Despite their hunting farmyard origin they should definitely not be given their freedom out of doors to catch birds and mice. Like all pedigree breeds a Scottish Fold kitten should be supervised and never left to fend for itself.
Amusing and intelligent they are interested in anything mechanical or electronic and are big entertainers with their curious poses. They are friendly with other cats, dogs and humans and have a particular fondness for young children. Not usually a lap cat a Fold prefers to have a chair of his own but it likes exercise, will take to a harness and lead, and adores travelling. If you want a quiet cat this is the one for you. They have tiny voices and rarely make a sound.

Show status in the UK
In Britain the breed was accepted by the Cat Association in 1984 as a developmental breed. It has Medallist status with the CA which means it can get national titles of Medallist, Grand Medallist and Supreme Medallist at FIFe National and International shows.
The breed is not accepted at GCCF shows.

Availability
Longhaired Scottish Folds are rarer than shorthaired Folds and though they are now bred from longhair to longhair matings, they do still turn up in shorthaired litters. Kittens are sometimes available as non-breeding pets but there is a waiting list for show and breeding quality due to the fact that the ratio of fold-ear to straight-ear kittens in a litter is only 50/50. A straight-eared Scottish longhair is, however, useful for breeding and also makes a great pet.

Can be seen....
Only at CA and non-GCCF shows in England, but check with the show organisers first before making a special journey in case you are disappointed.
The Scottish Fold Longhair sadly cannot be seen at shows organised by the GCCF.

(Information supplied by Janet Green CA/FiFE Judge and a Scottish Fold Breeder)