A COMPULSORY deer management scheme has been approved for an estate in the Scottish Highlands in a first for the country.
NatureScot’s board took the decision to pursue use of intervention powers under Section 8 of the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 in relation to Loch Choire Estate in Sutherland.
This is the first time a control scheme will have been used in Scotland.
In 2023, a cull of red deer was carried out by NatureScot at the estate because a landowner failed to manage their numbers. The organisation was forced to intervene because the animals were damaging protected habitats.
A total of 160 red deer were killed and processed for venison which was sold under contract to a game dealer.
NatureScot said at the time it would seek a voluntary control agreement under the Deer (Scotland) Act to secure a long-term solution to damage on the estate.
However, this has failed and the organisation has now been forced to implement a control scheme for the first time in Scotland.
Bosses said without the voluntary agreement they could not be satisfied that effective deer management would be put in place to "address risks of significant impact on peatlands, woodlands and other habitats in the Loch Choire area".
A large proportion of the Loch Choire area is covered by protected area designations, including four Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) which wholly or partly fall on the estate’s land.
Robbie Kernahan, NatureScot’s director of green economy, said: “Deer are an important part of our biodiversity but in high numbers they can have a negative impact on woodlands, peatlands and other habitats. Sustainable deer management is vital if we are to bring populations in balance with the rest of nature and effectively tackle the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.
“We will always favour a voluntary and collaborative approach to deer management, working in cooperation with partners towards this shared goal. However, we will use our intervention powers as a last resort in cases such as this, where despite significant efforts we have been unable to secure the required commitment and action through voluntary means.”
The control scheme has been approved by Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie following a consultation.
