Islay and Jura children to feast on venison at school

In a UK first, young people in the Scottish islands will have locally sourced venison added to school menus. 

The pilot project, which is being rolled out at six schools across Islay and Jura, is a collaboration between the council and Wild Jura, a new business founded by locals Cath and Andy McCallum. 

Recognising the high demand for local venison on the islands, they established Wild Jura to include commercial butchery and processing facilities. The plans enable local communities to enjoy affordable local wild venison, sourced from the Ardlussa, Barnhill, Tarbert and Ruantallain estates. 

Children from Small Isles Primary on Jura played a key role in product testing, with their favourite dishes, wild venison meatballs and burgers, now featured on the school menu. 

Culinary director at Eat Wild, Leon Challis-Davies, told ST: “This is another monumental win for the countryside community and an even bigger win for the children, who will now get to enjoy quality, fresh, nutrient-dense, high-protein venison on school menus. It’s brilliant for them. 

“I applaud the local council for their common sense and Wild Jura for their drive to successfully push through this project. Excellent work all round.”