The Creag Meagaidh pilot provides local residents with opportunities to develop deer management skills. Once they are qualified, it provides them free access to stalk deer on the reserve. We have already seen a successful reduction in deer numbers there, and participants have given enthusiastic feedback on the pilot’s benefits.

I am keen that we learn from the pilot and support more community-led deer management schemes, which is why I am pleased that a proposal is being developed in the Cairngorms to increase deer management in the national park. The proposal includes trialling new incentives and providing support for local venison.