Scottish venison on show at Scottish Parliament

The organisations that make up Scotland’s venison industry took their message and their product to the Scottish Parliament. The purpose of that visit was to impress on MSPs venison’s value - in both economic and health terms. The red deer was voted by the public as Scotland’s most iconic species.

The Holyrood initiative was designed to tell the venison story from hill to plate, covering both wild and farmed venison. This was done through displays and presentations, as well as providing the opportunity for MSPs to meet those who work in the industry - stalkers, deer farmers, processors, and land managers.

In addition, acclaimed venison chef Nichola Fletcher, gave cookery demonstrations in the Parliament’s Garden Lobby, and a display of butchery and jointing was given by Bruce Brymer, butcher, from Brechin. Venison is also available in the members’ restaurant at the Scottish Parliament all this week.

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said: “Generating more than £70 million, and supporting thousands of jobs, it is clear that the venison sector is of significant value to the Scottish economy. “I am delighted to see so many interested parties come together to promote venison as a delicious and healthy option.” Stephen Gibbs, Chairman of the Scottish Venison Working Group, organisers of the event, said: “There is so much to say about venison - not least about where it comes from and how. It is so much a part of Scottish tradition and culture, and yet its story is amazingly complex. Scientifically it is proven to be among the most healthy meats available, and its availability is steadily increasing. “This initiative sees our industry joining together to tell the venison story and to promote venison’s benefits to a far wider audience - and that has to be good for rural Scotland.”

John Milne, Chairman, Deer Commission for Scotland, said: “Wild deer are a significant natural resource for Scotland. The recently launched strategy “Scotland’s Wild Deer : A National Approach” explained how Scottish Government agencies and the deer industry working together can manage wild deer in a way that benefits all of Scotland’s people and environment. "The health benefits and sheer tastiness of the venison produced in our hills, woodlands and fields from this management of our wild deer resource should be more widely shared. The inclusion of venison on school and hospital menus throughout Scotland should be our next step.”