Image Library | Road Traffic Accidents | Annual Report | Best Practice Demonstration Events | New Management
FIRST MINISTER ANNOUNCES PROPOSED PUBLIC SECTOR LANDSCAPE REFORM
February 1st 2008.
First Minister Alex Salmond has unveiled plans to reduce the number of national public organisations by more than 25%.
The proposed move is part of the Scottish Government’s drive to have fewer, better structured national public bodies, with transparent and clear decision-making.
The announcement includes plans to merge the Deer Commission for Scotland with Scottish Natural Heritage.
The Scottish Government has announced its intention to consult with key stakeholders throughout the deer sector on the proposals. For details click here
To read the Scottish Government press release about the announcement click here
To read the First Minister’s statement in full click here
For full details of the proposed Public Sector Landscape Review click here
DEER COMMISSION FOR SCOTLAND RECRUITS NEW SENIOR MANAGERS
Issued Friday 28th September 2007
THE Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS) has appointed a new Director of Deer Management and a Director of Stakeholder Relations
Robbie Kernahan has taken up the post of Director of Deer Management while Alastair MacGugan has been appointed as Director of Stakeholder Relations.
Mr Kernahan joined the DCS as a Deer Officer in June 2002. Prior to his new appointment he was Head of Joint Working. Responsibilities in his new post include:
Mr MacGugan initially joined DCS in October 2003 as a Deer Liaison Officer, later moving into the post of Collaborative Deer Officer. Prior to taking up the new post he was Head of Best Practice and Operations.
As Director of Stakeholder Relations his responsibilities include:
Commenting on the two new appointments Chief Executive Nick Halfhide said: “Robbie and Alastair bring a wealth of experience to their new roles. Together they will strengthen DCS’ ability to deliver key pieces of work over the coming months and years, in particular the Best Practice Guidance and the Government’s biodiversity targets on designated sites affected by wild deer. I look forward to working with them.”
New research on deer vehicle collisions in Scotland
18th December 2006 downloads: DVC Scotland - main article [1MB] DVC Conclusions [504KB] DVC Maps [342KB]
Between 7000 and 10,000 deer are estimated to die every year on Scottish roads according to research commissioned by the Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS). The project, which forms part of work on deer-related road traffic accidents being undertaken by DCS, monitored and logged deer-related road accidents in Scotland over a three-year period. In addition to deer deaths it was estimated that there were 74 injuries to drivers and passengers as a result of deer-vehicle collisions in Scotland, including an estimated 16 serious injuries. In addition to the independent research, since 2001 DCS has carried out its own monitoring of deer collisions on Scotland’s roads. As a result of this process panels were established across Scotland on specific roads where the risk of deer-related road traffic accidents was significant. The panels advise DCS on local solutions to local deer collision problems. The new research was conducted by the Deer Initiative as part of a UK-wide study of deer vehicle collisions and was designed to assist DCS in its work to implement the best mitigation measures to deal effectively with the problem. Chairman of the Deer Commission for Scotland, John Milne, said: “Deer vehicle collisions can have serious implications for driver safety, with some collisions resulting in serious injury and occasionally death. Deer welfare is also compromised as the deer is often fatally injured in a collision but instead of dying immediately it can die a slow and painful death by the side of the road. “With this threat to deer welfare and driver safety it is clear that deer vehicle collisions do need to be addressed with specific and effective measures. The Deer Commission for Scotland is currently working with local communities, councils, police forces, road managers, landowners and other Government agencies and departments to address the issue and ensure appropriate measures are introduced in the future.” Peter Watson of the Deer Initiative said: “Now we have a clear picture of the scale and distribution of deer vehicle collisions in Scotland and England we will be able to focus awareness raising and mitigation measure more effectively. This should help reduce the huge cost of these accidents in terms of human suffering, deer welfare and the financial cost to motorists and insurers.” For further information or to arrange an interview or photograph please contact:
Alastair MacGugan Deer Commission for Scotland email: Alastair.macgugan@dcs.gov.uk or Peter Watson Executive Director The Deer Initiative Tel: 0870 774 3677 Mob: 07811-326518
NOTES TO EDITORS - The full results of the project are available on the Deer Commission for Scotland website – www.dcs.gov.uk and details of the Deer Initiative can be found at www.thedeerinitiative.co.uk - The Deer Commission for Scotland is the Government agency responsible for the conservation, control and sustainable management of all species of wild deer in Scotland, and for keeping under review all matters relating to wild deer including welfare. - The Deer Initiative secured funding of £57,500 from DCS to extend a project being carried out in England with funding from the Highways Agency and other members of the Deer Initiative Partnership (see www.deercollisions.co.uk ) - Researchers estimate the economic cost of preventing human injuries associated with deer-vehicle collisions as £4.5million. - The incidence of deer-vehicle collisions is highest in the north and north-east of Scotland but there is a risk of collisions on roads across the country. These tend to be more frequent in areas with high deer densities and high volumes of traffic including the M90 and M9 motorways, the A9, A90, A82, A93, A835, A980, A830, B979 and the B9077. - The roe deer is the species most commonly involved in collisions, accounting for 69% of the total figure. Red deer account for 24.5%, fallow deer 4% and sika deer 3%. However fallow deer are the species most commonly associated with local collision ‘hotspots’ throughout the UK. - During the research 6062 reported collisions were collated in Scotland. However, researchers believe the total number of deer involved in collisions with vehicles on Scotland’s roads each year is between 8500 and 10,000. - Although deer vehicle collisions occur throughout the year the study has highlighted seasonal variations for Red deer and Roe deer, with higher numbers of Red deer collisions from October to January and the majority of Roe deer collisions occurring in May. A second peak for Roe deer collisions also occurs between October and December when the number of daylight hours decreases. - Prior to the completion of the study DCS established a number of Priority Sites where there were specific concerns about deer vehicle collisions. These include the A9, A82 and A835 (a full list is available on the DCS website www.dcs.gov.uk ). Local advisory panels were set up for these sites at the beginning of 2005 comprising representatives from community councils, the police, landowners, the Scottish Executive and local Deer Management Groups. The aim of the group is to bring local communities together to solve localised problems through effective partnership working.
DEER COMMISSION FOR SCOTLAND PRESS RELEASE DEER ARE AN ASSET FOR SCOTLAND
(also see: Annual Report )
The image of deer as an issue only affecting remote Highland glens is now completely out of date, according to the Deer Commission for Scotland. Instead red deer and roe deer are Scotland’s most iconic species and an important asset for the country – a source of pride and enjoyment for the entire population whether in herds on Scottish hillsides or in woodlands around our towns and cities. Speaking on the day the Deer Commission for Scotland launched its Annual Report for 2005/2006, Chairman Professor John Milne said: “For too long deer and deer-related issues have been viewed as a problem. Whilst their densities may be too high to meet natural heritage objectives in some areas, overall we see deer as a valuable commodity for Scotland, providing jobs in the countryside and being a key player in many of our internationally renowned habitats. “The Deer Commission for Scotland’s job is to make sure these wild animals help Scotland to flourish – to provide secure jobs in our tourism and sporting industries, in venison production and marketing; to protect sensitive environmental sites from deer damage so that future generations can enjoy Scotland’s natural wonders; to minimise damage to timber and crops so that rural industries can prosper; and to help keep our roads as safe as possible – in short to maximise the contribution that deer can make to the continued growth, health and enjoyment of the nation.” The Annual Report for 2005/2006 provides details of the Commission’s work across a broad front including local initiatives to protect valuable natural habitats, woodlands and agricultural land, address deer accident hotspots, deer-related research and long-term work to improve deer management standards across the sector as a whole. This is done in collaboration with the deer sector through the organising of demonstration events and the publication of best practice guidance. For further information please contact: Alastair MacGugan DCS Communications Officer Tel: 01463 725366 Mob: 07717 355712 Email: erlend.barclay@deercom.com NOTES TO EDITORS The Annual Report 2005/2006 is available on the DCS website at www.dcs.gov.uk. The document provides details of DCS’ involvement in deer management in Scotland including the Priority Site process where control measures are required in specific locations to ensure deer exist in balance with their environment and do not cause damage to important natural habitats, woodland and agricultural land, DCS’ work in addressing areas where deer pose a hazard to driver safety, initiatives designed to improve the public and private benefits associated with deer and the Best Practice project which is designed to improve standards of deer management across the sector as a whole and is being implemented with the deer sector. There are also details about research commissioned or carried out by DCS in 2005/2006 including the ageing of red deer using jaws, the impact of different culling methods on physiological and physical qualities of red deer and a project to assess deer impacts on blanket bog vegetation. The Deer Commission for Scotland is the non-departmental public body responsible for furthering the conservation, control and sustainable management of all species of wild deer in Scotland, and for keeping under review all matters relating to wild deer including welfare. The Scottish Biodiversity Survey, commissioned by the Scottish Executive and completed in December 2005, provides a list of flora, fauna and habitats in Scotland deemed to be of principle importance for biodiversity conservation. The work brought together a wide range of stakeholders and was overseen by a group of scientists. It is a tool for public bodies and others involved in biodiversity to use when carrying out their work. The project also includes a list of the 10 most important animals, plants and habitats in Scotland according to a social survey carried out on members of the public. The results showed Red or Roe deer as the most important animals species in Scotland, above the Red Squirrel and the Golden Eagle. Further details about the Scottish Biodiversity survey and the Scottish Biodiversity List are available at www.biodiversityscotland.gov.uk
New headquarters for Deer Commission
The Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS) is relocating its headquarters in Inverness to a new site in the city. From 19th September 2006 all staff currently operating from the existing building at 82 Fairfield Road, Inverness, will be working in Great Glen House, a new, multi-purpose Scottish Executive building in the Craig Dunain area of the city. The current activities of DCS will continue as normal from Great Glen House and all existing staff will retain their current areas of responsibility. Therefore any contacts you have with any particular member of staff should continue as before. The DCS office in Stirling will continue to be staffed as before.
The full postal address and contact details of the new building are as follows:
Deer Commission for Scotland Great Glen House Leachkin Road Inverness IV3 8NW
Tel: 01463 725000
Fax: 01463 725048
The staff of DCS will continue to provide an effective and efficient service to all those who they come into contact with and I am confident that our new headquarters will allow us to provide an even better service in the future. DCS will be pleased to welcome you to our new headquarters at Great Glen House at any time.
Yours sincerely,
John Milne (Chairman)
Ministerial letter supports Deer Commission
Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Affairs, Rhona Brankin, has written to DCS Chairman John Milne supporting the work of the Commission and asking it do to all that is necessary to ensure the delivery of key objectives Letter [134KB]
Road Traffic Accidents and Public Safety
[left: Carcass of deer involved in road traffic accident] The Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS) has authorised night shooting to take place on a 3.5 kilometre stretch of the A9 trunk road near Dunkeld to protect public safety. The move follows concerns raised about the number of deer-related road accidents on the route and the risk this posed to public safety. Fallow and roe deer living in woodland areas close to the main road were moving to the roadside verges adjacent to the A9 to feed at night, often straying onto the busy road itself. Atholl Estate, which owns the land, has culled deer on the surrounding land for a number of years as part of its normal deer management operations. However, culling within the woodland during the day has failed to significantly reduce the problem. In November of this year Tayside Police reported 12 carcasses by the side of the road between 11th and 21st November and raised concerns about public safety. Night shooting will take place on the road verges from Tuesday 13th December, under Section 10(4) of the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996. DCS Director Nick Reiter said:
“The operation is being carried out on the grounds of public safety. A high number of deer carcasses were found by the roadside on a busy stretch of road in a short space of time. “What is being done now is designed to protect public safety in the short-term before there is a serious road accident.”
The night shooting operation will be carried out by staff from Atholl Estate working in conjunction with DCS and Tayside Police, between the hours of 11pm and 5am. Police officers will close the section of the A9 temporarily for periods of up to 10 minutes while the operation takes place.
Annual Report 2004-2005
ISSUED WEDNESDAY 16 NOVEMBER
Some of the public money used to support sustainable deer management in Scotland must be allocated to address areas where deer are causing significant adverse impacts, according to the Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS).
The Government agency now has in place a three-stage process to ensure public resources are allocated as effectively as possible to achieve this objective. Details of the process are contained in the Deer Commission for Scotland Annual Report 2004/2005 which is laid before the Scottish Parliament today (Wednesday 16th November).
DCS Chairman John Milne said: “As part of its role to encourage sustainable deer management in Scotland, it is important that the DCS focuses its resources wisely on areas where deer are causing or are likely to cause damage to Scotland’s natural heritage, agricultural land or woodland areas, or are posing a danger to public safety through increased deer-related road accidents.
“The DCS, with other government agencies, has developed what is called the Priority Site Process, using clearly defined methods to assess whether deer are causing damage. If deer are causing or are likely to cause damage, DCS enters into discussions with landowners and land managers to agree appropriate deer management measures for the future.
“The process begins when DCS receives an expression of concern in which deer are suspected of causing damage to the natural heritage, agriculture, woodland or agriculture, or threatening public safety.
“DCS staff then work with other Government agencies and the relevant landowners and land managers to establish whether damage is occurring, which areas are affected and to what extent, or whether deer are posing a threat to public safety. This is called the Site for Assessment stage.
“The third, or Priority Site, stage occurs when it is established that deer are causing, or are likely to cause damage, or are a threat to public safety. DCS then works in close partnership with the landowners and occupiers to establish a Deer Control Agreement which provides agreed methods to reduce damage and achieve a sustainable deer population, or mitigate the threat to public safety.”
The 56-page Deer Commission for Scotland Annual Report includes an up-to-date map providing details of Priority Sites and Sites for Assessment already established across Scotland. The report also provides information about the role of the Deer Commission for Scotland, policies to improve deer management activities, details about culling and deer census operations, Best Practice Guides, deer-related research and profiles of Board members and staff.
The Report is available online at www.dcs.gov.uk or on request from the Deer Commission for Scotland.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The Deer Commission for Scotland is the Non-Departmental Public Body charged with furthering the conservation, control and sustainable management of all species of wild deer in Scotland, and keeping under review all matters, including welfare, relating to wild deer.
For more information and to arrange interviews please contact:
Alastair MacGugan Deer Commission for Scotland Email: Alastair.macgugan@dcs.gov.uk Web: www.dcs.gov.uk
Annual Report [1.7MB]
Annual Report Cull Data [194KB]
Best Practice Demonstration Events
March 2007 FARMERS, crofters, stalkers, gamekeepers and other land managers descended on Drummuir Estate near Keith in March for a two-day event designed to increase understanding and share experiences about deer management. A series of workshops were held in marquees and in the open air on the estate during the two days on subjects ranging from techniques used to assess deer damage on different habitat types to the use of firearms, butchery techniques and different ways of preparing and cooking venison.
The event was organised by the Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS) in partnership with a range of other organisations including the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, the British Deer Society, the Association of Deer Management Groups, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, Forestry Commission Scotland and LANTRA. The workshops were focused around Best Practice Guides – a series of publications funded by DCS and developed in conjunction with organisations from across the deer sector. By taking part in the workshops participants could learn about the information already in the guides and how it worked in a practical setting. Participants were also encouraged to discuss and share their own experiences as a way of feeding information into guides currently being developed.
Around 160 people attended the workshops, and an evening seminar held in the Uigie House Hotel last Thursday evening (15th March) brought people together to listen to a series of presentations on the theme ‘Utilising Deer as a Resource’.
DCS Best Practice Project Officer, Linzi Seivwright, said: “The Best Practice Demonstration Events are a great way to bring a broad range of practitioners together – both those who work with deer on a regular basis and those who deal with deer very occasionally. The event on Drummuir Estate was the first held in the north-east of Scotland and builds on the success of previous events held in other parts of Scotland. The feedback we have had so far has been very positive – it shows that the events are a valuable and worthwhile forum to learn about deer management and to share experiences. “We hope the same success will be achieved at future events in the Western Isles and near Loch Lomond later this year.”
FURTHER INFORMATION
The Best Practice Guidance was launched by the Deer Commission for Scotland in 2003 and provides information on a range of deer and land management issues through a suite of around 80 paper and electronic guides. The development of the guides themselves is overseen by a steering group comprising the Association of Deer Management Groups, British Deer Society, Scottish Gamekeepers Association, Forestry Commission Scotland, British Association for Shooting and Conservation, the Deer Initiative and LANTRA, to ensure the guides meet the needs of the deer sector.
The event on Drummuir Estate is the fourth Best Practice Demonstration Event held since July 2005. Other events have been held on Corrour Estate near Fort William, at Bowhill in the Scottish Borders and at Glencassley in Sutherland.
Workshops were held on the following:
1) Shooting and Firearm Shot Placement / Ballistics
2) Shooting and Firearms – Know Your Weapon
3) Producing Quality Venison – Lardering
4) Producing Quality Venison – Butchering and Cooking
5) Assessing Habitats
6) Deer Welfare and the use of Dogs
For further details or subscription enquiries for Best Practice Guidance please contact Laura Fenton, 01786 446282
