Calls grow for extended deer culling rights on Scottish moorland

Call for wider culling rights

The Scottish Crofting Federation and Scottish Tenant Farmers Association are pressing ministers to extend deer culling rights to moorland and common grazings as part of Natural Environment Bill reforms.

Under current legislation, farming and crofting tenants can only cull deer damaging crops and land that has undergone development. SCF chief executive Donna Smith said extending this would be “enormously helpful” as deer damage crofting interests by competing with livestock for feed and destroying woodland and agricultural production.

Reactions from the countryside

The proposal has drawn mixed reactions. Megan Rowland, a crofter and stalker based in Brora, said: “Having the capacity to cull deer that compete with our livestock for grazing or could damage the significant investment we have made in planting an orchard, is really useful.”

However, she warned of potential conflicts over stags, which are more likely to encroach on crofts during winter and hold significant financial value for estates. She cited concerns about “loss of stags and subsequent loss of income, but also potential disruption when it comes to population dynamics of the deer herd”.

Despite these worries, she added: “A handful of crofters shooting a few deer is really not something to lose sleep over.”

Backing from farming groups

The amendment aligns with Deer Working Group recommendations and has backing from organisations including the Nature Friendly Farming Network. Ms Smith described it as a “simple, low-cost” strengthening measure.

Have a news story to share?

Contact our group news editor Hollis Butler at hollis.butler@twsgroup.com. We aim to respond to all genuine news tips and respect source confidentiality.