Deer cull ordered by NatureScot on Loch Choire Estate comes to an end with 160 animals shot
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NatureScot has announced that a deer cull it ordered on a Sutherland Estate using its interventionist powers is now at an end.
Stalkers were sent earlier this year to Loch Choire Estate, situated some 32 miles to the west of Helmsdale, to carry out a cull under a section of the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996.
NatureScot, which is responsible for the country’s natural heritage, said at the time that the action had been taken because red deer were having a significant impact on peatlands, woodlands and other habitat in the area.
Four sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) wholly or partly fall on the estate's land.
It said that in recent years little or no culling had taken place on the estate, causing concern over growing deer numbers.
The estate owner was said not to have responded to repeated efforts to engage and find alternative solutions.
In a statement issued earlier this week, NatureScot revealed that in total 160 deer had been culled at Loch Choire and processed for venison.
Stalkers were on the ground for 10 days in January and February. The red dear season in Scotland ends on February 15.
NatureScot's head of wildlife management Donald Fraser said: “Our highly skilled stalkers faced challenging winter conditions to successfully carry out this cull in what is a very remote area.
“In undertaking this work, as ever, they have displayed the highest standards of professionalism and best practice, putting deer welfare at the heart of the operation.
“While we always favour a voluntary and collaborative approach to deer management, this action demonstrates that NatureScot will make use of the full range of powers available to us when necessary, to secure vital benefits for nature and climate.
Mr Fraser added that Loch Choire had now employed a deerstalker and deer management had resumed on the estate.
“As a next step NatureScot will be seeking a voluntary control agreement to secure a longer term solution to the damage at Loch Choire Estate,” he said.
Sir Michael Wigan, chairman of the East Sutherland Deer Management Group, said: “The deer management group continues to be supportive of NatureScot’s approach and the way in which they have delivered this approach. We will continue to work with NatureScot to deliver effective and sustainable deer management.”
The Association of Deer Management Groups and Scottish Environment LINK’s Deer Group have also expressed support for the action.
