Ron:

I don't remember the time frame but I saw recently on the History channel the ond of the Scots Kings kept a lion pit just outside of his chambers complete with removable bridge that could be removed. Should Edinbrough (sp?) castle be attacked and things were not going well he could withdraw to his chambers withdraw the bridge and let the attackers get chummy with the lions below if they were foolish enough to try and cross. BTW whilst they were playing with the kitties he made good his escape throught a secret tunnel. It bugs me daylights out of me that I can't recall the kings' name right now.
I said all that to indicate that there must have been some who were well aquainted with the lion in Scotland at one time or another.

Bill