Yes, MrsBiscuit, I like them too. I think just as with Giant Pandas because they have their eyes on the front of their faces (heads) as do we, we attribute human characteristics to them. In this country they are seen as wise. But I also know that both in Africa and among some Native American peoples they have very negative associations. I guess being nocturnal adds to that.
I was really sorry when that pair of Eagle Owls that tried to breed (was it a quarry in Yorkshire) got shot.
As you may know this island has a long and unique association with Snowy Owls. Magnificent birds being mostly white and we all hope that they will return here as a breeding species. Unfortunately the scarcity of rabbits due to both myxi and haemorrhagic fever makes this a bit unlikely. But we had one drop in last year for a week or two which was lovely to see.