Deer managers can now apply for a grant that covers up to 60% of the cost of a new chiller trailer through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (The big chill — why a good larder is a must, 7 February).
Large chiller trailers generally cost around £20,000, which means deer managers would be able to claim back around £12,000. Chillers purchased through the scheme must adhere to particular hygiene and health and safety specifications to be eligible.
Six-times professional stalker of the year Chris Dalton said: “Any funding to help with the costs of equipment is welcome. Chiller trailers are expensive but convenient as they allow a facility to cover multiple sites, but the devil as always will be in the detail.
“The significant issue I am seeing now, however, is a lack of demand for venison generally. While there is excellent work going on to try to address this, we have a long way to go before there is a consistent outlet for the excellent, locally produced venison hanging in our new trailers.’’
BASC calls for delay to the Scottish government’s muirburn licensing scheme amid concerns from practitioners over the code’s workability.
Following countryside organisations’ campaigning, penalties for illegal coursing have increased, with average fines up from £360 to £6,000