South Skye Deer Management Group Deer Control Plan

South Skye Deer Management Group

Deer Control Plan

This Deer Control Plan outlines the South Skye Deer Management Group’s approach to Deer Control within its defined area of operations. Deer numbers are lower than the national average, therefore the SSDMG acts as a Deer Control Group. This ensures deer can be managed at a level which will not impact adversely with other stakeholder’s interests yet determines they are properly managed. To be effective, this plan is a living document which is sufficiently flexible to adapt to change and illustrate current data. This means that sections will evolve throughout the year as data changes and operational needs alter, that the Plan will be reviewed annually for operational reasons and be due a full review for suitability every three years.

Date Page Amendment 17/05/21 24-38 Updated annual deeer numbers

Chairman: Chris Cartwright Date Last Amended: 17/05/2021 [email protected] Date Adopted: 20/02/2019 Secretary: Duncan MacDonald Tri-Annual Review: 20/02/2023 [email protected]

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Contents page

Index 3 1. Introduction & Mission Statement 4 2. Cooperation & Principles of Collaboration 5 3. Communications Policy 6 4. Owners & Managers 7 4.1 Geographic Location and coverage 7 4.2 Deer – Current Situation & Trends 7 4.3 Current Impacts 7 4.4 Individual Mission Statements (all Stakeholders) 9

5. Future Management 18 5.1 Membership of the SSDMG 18 5.2 Long-term policy 18 5.3 Deer Managers Development 18 5.4 Policy Statement 19

6. Deer - The Current Situation 20 6.1 Historical Perspective & Current Impacts 20 6.2 Current Deer Control 20 6.3 Confirmation of Deer Populations 21

7. Future Control Strategy 22 7.1 Collaboration 22 7.2 Cull requirements by species (all Stakeholders) 22 7.3 General Cull Strategy 22 7.4 Annual Cull/Trend Summaries (all Stakeholders) 23 7.4. (1-15) Annual Population Reviews (all Stakeholders) 24

8. Health & Safety (all Stakeholders) 39 9. Risk Assessments 42 10. Financial 43 11. Venison (all Stakeholders) 44 12. Marketing (all Stakeholders) 47 13. Glossary 48 14. Appendices 49 1. SSDMG Boundary Map 52 2 Deer Species Distribution Map and SNH Adopted Deer Count 50 3 Woodland Areas in Sleat 51 4 RPID Skye Sporting Leases 55 5 GDPR Policy 56 6 Other useful Contacts and Information 57

1. INTRODUCTION Two main species of deer live wild in South Skye today, Red and Roe Deer and an occasional sighting of Sika. Historically, the control of deer had been dealt with by the individual land owner/occupiers with no formal agreement in place to share information. There are differing objectives across these groups and managing the disparate deer populations had become too localised and outwith greater collaborative control. Deer habitat is preferentially in woodland but they are well established at adapting to living on the open hill with opportunistic browsing taking place on farmland and gardens, in-by land and crofts. Deer are an important part of our wildlife and are attractive animals which people enjoy seeing in our countryside. However they must be managed to keep them in balance with their habitat and prevent serious damage to woodlands, SSSI’s, Crofts, Parks or Gardens where deer may already live or will tend to colonise in the future. Deer have no natural predators. Too many deer can lead to: • Damage to trees, woodland flora and wildlife habitats • Damage to farm crops and gardens • An increase in road traffic accidents • Poor health of the deer if their numbers are greater than the habitat can support. Woodland clearance and over-hunting reduced deer in historic times but during the 20th century, native deer species have re-colonised both ancient and new woodlands over most of their former range. Land Management changes throughout the decades have led to a change in population densities as has the introduction of four main species in the UK (Fallow, Sika, Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer) which with the possible exception of CWD, are spreading rapidly. For this reason, deer and their habitats need to be effectively managed to avoid conflict. The South Skye Deer Management Group (SSDMG) has been set up to ensure a proper balance between the welfare of the deer and their habitat, the residents within its geographical scope and the visitors to this popular tourist destination. This will encompass: • A detailed knowledge of deer and their habitat within the SSDMG’s area of influence • Those areas which are popularly frequented by deer • Location of the deer population through habitat and sustenance management • Mapping of the forestry and woodland enclosures to identify deer populations and other important factors such as designated areas for conservation • Control of deer numbers in order to sustain a viable population • A close working liaison between the group members • Open communications processes • The maintenance of a Deer Control Plan (DCP) with annual reviews. In order to guide the membership and provide clarity for others, the Group has agreed a Mission statement, as follows:

SSDMG MISSION STATEMENT

The members of the group commit to working collaboratively to address the impacts on our local community of deer management in a way that maintains a healthy deer population consistent with current local interests.

2. COOPERATION AND PRINCIPLES OF COLLABORATION The Sleat Deer Management Group was constituted on the 12th of January 2016 with an adopted constitution that is generally aligned with that of the Association of Deer Management Groups (ADMG) to ensure best administrative practice in the running of the group. In late 2017 the John Muir Trust (JMT) and the Scottish Government (RPID) were invited to join the group, which extended the northern boundary to a line drawn along existing border lines between Glenbrittle and Sligachan. The FEI estate is excluded as they elected to write their own DMP and the MacLeod Estates retain control over a portion within the northern boundary that covers the Black Cuillin. Accordingly, the constitution of the Sleat Deer Management Group was amended to integrate the John Muir Trust and the Scottish Government. The Group is now called the South Skye Deer Management Group. FEI cooperate on deer numbers, fences and other necessarily shared data on an ongoing basis. The Constitution aims to enable full and effective communications between the members of the Group, as follows:

Members agree to support the effective running of the Group by:

• Attending or being represented at all DMG meetings. • Supplying information required for the administration of the Group • Supplying information required for the writing and review of the Group Deer Control Plan and for the other purposes of the Group. • Paying an annual subscription to the SSDMG at such rates as may be agreed. • Collaborating with other Members and other relevant interests. • Advising the Group of any relevant changes in terms of ownership or land management in respect of their individual landholdings. • Carrying out deer control in accordance with all relevant legislation, referring to the SNH Code of Practice for Deer Management and Wild Deer Best Practice.

Principles of Collaboration

Under our principles of collaboration, the South Skye Deer Management Group:

• Acknowledge what we have in common – a shared commitment to a sustainable and economically viable Scottish countryside. • Make a commitment to work together to achieve and maintain that. • Accept that we have a diversity of management objectives and respect each other’s objectives. • Undertake to communicate openly with all relevant parties. • Commit to negotiate and, where necessary, to compromise in order to accommodate the reasonable land management requirements of neighbours.

• Where there are areas of disagreement we undertake to work together to resolve them. • If the disagreement is not solvable the group would seek independent arbitration.

The South Skye Deer Management Group acknowledges that collaboration is essential to meet the standards set by the Code of Practice for Deer Management.

3. Communications Policy

SSDMG COMMUNICATIONS POLICY

Communications within the group are co-ordinated by the Secretary, and are led by the content of incoming e-mails, meetings, directions from the Chair, Industry best practice and statutes. The Deer Management Plan can be found on the Clan Donald Lands Trust and the Sleat Community Trust’s web sites with its latest updates indicated on the front page. Contact details of the main Estates are at S. 8.8 and Appendix 6. External communications, where required will be directed at parties not directly involved but with an interest in deer management. These will include Adjacent Estates, individuals, local bodies such as community councils, local authorities, local media and other specialist interests.

______Chairman, South Skye Deer Management Group 20th February 2019

4. Owners & Managers

Contacts Name Contact details

[email protected] Clan Donald Lands Trust Chris Cartwright (07918) 075 700 [email protected] Forestry and Land Scotland Russell Cooper (07887) 626634 [email protected] Tormore Farm Ian Lindsay (01471) 844 340 [email protected] Sleat Community Trust Henrik Micski (01471) 844 773 Sleat General Grazings [email protected] Duncan MacDonald Committee (01471) 833 297 [email protected] John Muir Trust Ally Macaskill (01471) 866 388 [email protected] Scottish Government (RPID) Ewen MacPherson (01478) 612 516

4.1 Geographic Location & Coverage For a map showing the SSDMG area of influence, see Appendix 1. The northern extent is defined by a boundary line that runs from Glenbrittle in the west to Sligachan in the east. FEI is excluded as is the MacLeod estates portion of the northern boundary, comprising the Black Cuillin.

4.2 Deer – Current Situation and Trends Deer management in Sleat have been largely uncoordinated in the past with the Clan Donald Lands Trust and Crofter’s Authorised Controllers independently working to reduce numbers and a more targeted and holistic approach has occurred with the formation of the DMG. Each individual member of the group has a responsibility for the deer control within their area and each have produced their own Mission Statement.

4.3 Current Impacts Historically, Deer numbers in Sleat were unknown because there had been no policy in place to share individual cull figures from each member of the group completing them. There have also been incidents of deer incursions into arable and domestic land with the resultant damage, frustration and financial loss.

Authorised controllers from the Clan Donald Lands Trust (the Estate) and the Sleat General Grazings Committee have been active, notably so in 2015-17 on account of the increase in incidents of marauding deer and the damage this caused. Numbers have been reduced particularly in 2015/16, although this has been to some extent anecdotal and based on the sharing of cull numbers between CDLT and SGGC. A helicopter count was carried out by the group which took place in March 2016. This was an independent survey, with Willie Fraser (NTS Kintail) acting as contractor and conducting the count. The results of that count have been accepted by the SSDMG, following which, the Estate is taking appropriate action to deal with their areas of responsibility as they deem appropriate. Overall, the aim will be to maintain numbers at a level that sustains a healthy deer population in Sleat, without undue impact on areas of sensitive habitat, woodland, crofts and domestic lands.

4.4 Individual Mission Statements (all Stakeholders) The SSDMG comprises a membership that have varied interests, and who recognise the need to collaborate to discuss cull data, forecasts and other common business. The group does not support a political agenda. The ensuing sections contain members’ individual mission statements which lays out their philosophies and ethos. The content of members’ mission statements can only be edited by that member.

Note: Several Group Members have their own web sites and where given, the URL can be followed to gain additional information.

4.4.1 Sleat General Grazings Committee Historical Background The Sleat General Grazings Committee (SGGC) represents the interests of ten Township Grazings Committees, managing approximately 4,000 ha of land in Sleat. The Committee had been calling for the creation of a Deer Control Plan for Sleat for many years. Conflict between Crofters and their Landlords Sporting Interests are not unique to Sleat nor are they new, having first been identified here in evidence to the Napier Commission in 1883. The Committee believes that Crofters bear an unacceptably high burden for the policies pursued by their Landlords being financially supported by both Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry & Land Scotland. The impact of the policy of woodland enclosures has excluded deer from large areas of their traditional habitat and re-located them on to Croft and Common Grazings land, which had led to an escalation of conflict.

Current Situation A review of deer count data for the last 36 years compiled from Deer Commission Counts (1980, 1996, 1997, 2003 and SNH Helicopter Count, 2016) confirms this view as it shows that whilst the overall deer density has remained fairly stable with only a slight rise from 1.8 deer per km2 in 1980 to the present 2 deer per km2. The displacement of deer on to Croftland by Woodland enclosures over that period has led to an increase in density on Croftland from 0.75 deer per km2 in 1980 to a current level of 7 deer per km2. The displacement of deer onto Croft land is further confirmed by the review of available cull data. This shows that over the last 25 years, 25% of deer culled annually in Sleat have been culled on less than 1% of the available land area. That land area is the improved pasture within the Crofting Townships. The escalation of deer pressure on Croftland has forced many Crofters to completely abandon traditional cereal and root production on Crofts and to abandon large areas of improved pasture previously used for hay and silage production. This has resulted in higher bought-in feed costs, impacting on the profitability of many Crofting enterprises. These changes also have well documented adverse environmental impacts, leading to an escalation in the decline of many British Priority Species (BPS) in Sleat. It is therefore the view of the SGGC that the adverse effects of increasing deer numbers on Croftland outweigh any financial gain to their

landlords and that any perceived environmental benefits from the current woodland expansion policies are outweighed by the adverse environmental outcomes associated with the loss of active Crofting. Whilst initially calling for a complete halt to new woodland enclosures in Sleat, the commitments made by all the members of the South Skye Deer Management Group (SSDMG) to consultation on future proposals give the SGGC the security that as a full member of the group, the crofting interest will be fully understood and addressed during the planning stage of any future woodland developments. We further welcome the commitments of RPID to include the SSDMG as a consultee on further deer fencing grant applications in this area.

SGGC Mission Statement

The SGGC commits to work together with the other stakeholders to ensure that deer management addresses the needs of our Crofting Shareholders, whilst retaining the deer population at a healthy level.

4.4.2 Clan Donald Lands Trust

The Clan Donald Lands Trust was set up in 1971 to achieve the following vision:

“The conservation, protection and promotion of Clan Donald, its traditions, history, lands and property including the built, cultivated and natural assets and habitat in its’ ownership on the Isle of Skye for the purpose of fostering Clan Donald sentiment and interest; enabling physical and intellectual access to the public and Clansmen globally”.

A charitable trust, its principle objectives are summarised thus:

• Conservation of the Portfolio • Financing our Future • Access & Education • Visitor Enjoyment • Investing in our People

Deer are an important asset to the estate. Maintaining a healthy population in areas that have a minimal impact on other land uses is a key objective. Monitoring these impacts is an important strategy for CDLT and data population will be carried out through physical, ‘on the ground’ counts assessments. A picture of problem areas is beginning to emerge and CDLT plans to focus culling on areas with high marauding, redesign certain forestry enclosures, and is experimenting with diversionary feeding where practical.

Land Management: The land holding stretches to just over 22,000 acres, of which approximately 12,000 acres is under crofting tenure and/or forms part of the common grazings. The in-hand land is managed by the estate team and a tenant farmer. Deer management policies and strategies for the Trust span diverse and occasionally conflicting interests and objectives. Sporting interest forms a significant part of the income stream for the Trust which is a key local employer on Skye. This is further supplemented by a secondary spend with the accommodation and catering trading centres. Venison production is a further income stream, supplying local shops and businesses. That said, CDLT recognises and welcomes the contribution of the crofting community to the overall management of the land and there is a renewed focus on supporting crofting by working to alleviate deer pressure on crofting land and assisting with various fencing projects where possible. The potential for a conflict of interest emerges where crofting and sporting use of the land meet geographically and the issues of marauding deer on croft land is one that both groups recognise and are committed to resolving as far as is practicable. The CDLT management strategy, in collaboration with the crofting community, includes a series of practical approaches to maintaining a healthy herd away from areas where they cause problems. The helicopter deer count is an important primary step to establish population numbers, locations and spread to better inform practical solutions including muir-burning, fencing in strategic places, lowering fence height in some areas and diversionary feeding where practical.

Coille Dalavil The future management of this important and sensitive area (a SSSI) will be towards returning a healthy deer population to an area that will not have an adverse impact on the condition of the SSSI and divert deer away from crofting areas of Aird and Tormore.

Policies affecting Deer Management: The overall aims of the Trust are captured thus: • CDLT will manage Armadale Castle & Gardens and the lands within their ownership in a way that puts its cultural, social, environmental and historical significances at the heart of all its decisions. • CDLT will continue to extend Armadale’s established place in local, regional and global culture and make it a place for learning, engagement in conservation ideals, the arts & Gaelic culture, and a venue for exemplary standards in presentation, visitor facilities, events and activities that celebrate the Lordship of the Isles.

Policy on Nature Conservation • Where possible planting and wider landscape management will be for the benefit of protecting wildlife habitat and maintaining or enhancing the high value nature conservation which our lands support.

Policy on Land Management • The policy of land management is to retain the assets in favourable condition and to manage the land for recreational, sporting and agricultural uses. Where there is a conflict of interest, it is the policy to arbitrate and collaborate - mindful of the particular political environment surrounding land ownership in Scotland, and governed by the emerging policies and legislation as prescribed by Scottish Government. • Where the natural landscape has designated status, the policy will be to manage for the conditions pertaining to the designation and to protect and enhance the assets and their condition where possible. All efforts to support work to sustain the natural environment will be subject to the active sourcing of funding and grants available from various organisations and mandatory bodies. • There are no plans to create any more forestry plantations on the Clan Donald estate.

Deer Control There is in place a bespoke deer control agreement to tackle a particular deer problem in the areas of Kilmore, Ferrindonald, Saasaig & Teague townships in partnership with SGGC. The SSDMG has set up a response team for the humane dispatch of deer injured in road accidents which the local community and police support.

Education Deer are an iconic species for Scotland and visitors and residents alike enjoy seeing them in the landscape. CDLT is an education trust and a key objective is to inform and educate visitors on this and other important species and their habitat. The introduction of wildlife tours and talks in the gardens (where there has also been deer encroachment issues) and the wider estate

provides a greater understanding of the conservation and environmental responsibilities of the organisation. A key element of this interpretation is to communicate the wider issues associated with deer in the wrong places and we provide an introduction to crofting as an important and regionally distinctive part of land use in the Highlands.

4.4.3 Forestry and land Scotland

(Formerly Forestry Commission Scotland)

Management of deer is an underpinning activity essential for the delivery of benefits from the NFE (national forest estate). We aim to play a full part in contributing to and delivering the Scottish Government’s ‘Scotland’s Wild Deer a National Approach’ and the ‘Code of Practice on Deer Management’. Our aim is to maintain healthy wild deer populations and manage deer impacts across the NFE consistent with the carrying capacity of the land and the successful delivery of our management objectives. We value and manage deer as an iconic and natural resource which contributes to our biodiversity, climate change, social, cultural and silvicultural objectives. Native deer species are an important component of Scotland’s biodiversity. This is not just because they are iconic, but also because they are a keystone species. What this means is that they have a major shaping effect on habitats, and their actions fundamentally determine the suitability of ecosystems for other species. We want to achieve favourable environmental conditions across the NFE, most importantly on designated sites, but also more widely as this is consistent with Scottish Ministers’ land management objectives as laid out in Scotland’s ‘Land Use Strategy’. Achieving favourable conditions and ecosystem health helps meet the aims of the ‘Scottish Biodiversity Strategy’ and is usually aided by a degree of deer activity which can help maintain vegetation species and structural diversity and influence succession processes. However, high deer impacts can be detrimental, most obviously to woodland regeneration but also to highly palatable ground layer species; to habitat structural diversity; to dependent insect, bird and animal species; and to fragile ecosystems like peat bogs. Ascertaining the optimum deer impacts to achieve favourable environmental condition, and the appropriate deer densities to support this, is therefore complex and we are still developing our skills in this area. By using a combination of habitat impact surveys, dung counting and population data we aim to establish management strategies appropriate to the unique circumstances of each locality. These strategies also take into account the positive and negative impacts of deer fencing, for example on woodland grouse, vegetation management and recreation access.

Planned Management Kinloch hills.

It is FLS policy to move all qualifying features towards Favourable condition. Accordingly, management is prioritised to address features currently in Unfavourable condition. An additional priority is the successful establishment of 450ha of new native woodland on the estate. Consequently, deer management strategy has been, and will continue to be, directed toward the protection and successful establishment of these plantings as well as regeneration of fragmented and moribund coastal woodland remnants. Deer management is therefore a fundamental component of land and vegetation management on the entire estate

4.4.4 Sleat Community Trust Sleat Community Trust (SCT) was formed in 2003 to support sustainable economic, environmental and social development in the Sleat Peninsula on the Isle of Skye. Over 70 per cent of the local population are members of the trust. The principal objectives of the trust are to promote the area for the benefit of the inhabitants. This includes areas such as education, renewable energy, housing, leisure, tourism and social facilities, development of local businesses and the protection and enhancement of the natural environment. SCT operates two wholly-owned commercial subsidiaries: Sleat Community Trading and Sleat Renewables. In 2011 following an external review of the Trusts activities, a new mission statement was adopted: ‘Sleat Community Trust aspires to improve the quality of life for the residents of the Sleat peninsula through supporting economic development and maintaining the high-quality environment’.

Key aims The objectives of Sleat Community Trust are to: • Communicate clearly and regularly with our membership and the community • Identify the key developments which will make Sleat an even better place to live • Maximise community benefit from renewal energy, including forestry and wind power • Promote the further development of tourism in Sleat, and preserving the natural environment

What we have done The achievements of Sleat Community Trust vary from asset ownership to developing renewable energy sources. The main projects the trust is currently running are: a wireless broadband network, a shop/PO/filling station, a community transport service, a tourism group and a woodfuel business based in our forest, Tormore. The running of the forest is currently the principal project of Sleat Renewables Limited (SRL), a subsidiary of the trust established in 2007 with the aim of taking forward a number of renewable energy projects with the aim to benefit the community. Tormore Community Forest is a 400ha (almost 1000 acres) mature forest purchased from the Forestry Commission in 2011, with financial support from a number of sources. Key projects include: • A five-year plan to harvest the timber, construct related infrastructure facilities, develop related commercial business opportunities and create leisure amenities • Assessment of options for a community wind-farm • Continuing support of carbon reduction opportunities and efficiency in energy

Mission Statement for Deer Management Sleat Community Trust will endeavour to manage deer within the Tormore Forest as stated in our long-term Forest Plan, complying with the Code of Practice on Deer Management to ensure the Long Term goal of the forest plan are achieved.

4.4.5 Tormore Farm Deer Management Objectives and Organisation

Background Extending to only 65ha Tormore Farm is by far the smallest unit within the SSDCG and extends on the S Side of the A851 from Aird to Calligary. It lies within the deer fenced area of Tormore Forest and shares a common population of Roe and Red Deer with that area. Owing to significant levels of bracken cover and a sheep flock of 100 breeding ewes, the area currently provides sub – optimal habitat for both deer species and supports only limited, transient numbers. Owing to significant improvement in adjacent deer habitat, deer numbers on the farm have reduced significantly and it is likely that the relative attraction of the farm will remain very low. Deer impacts on the farm and residential properties within it are minimal and encounters on the A851 are not above average. Owing to a recent change in the management of the farm a programme of bracken control and possible new woodland planting is being considered. Such actions are likely to have an impact on deer numbers / use and will be assessed accordingly.

4.4.6 John Muir Trust The John Muir Trust is a membership organisation dedicated to the conservation, enhancement and protection of wild land. To read about the John Muir Trust and its work; https://www.johnmuirtrust.org/our-work On Skye the Trust manages the three adjacent crofting estates of Strathaird, Torrin and Sconser. Together these properties run to 12,000ha and include a variety of habitats from the high tops of the Black and Red Cuillin to significant stands of coastal woodland. The holdings are covered by, and lie within, a number of designations; SPA for Golden Eagles Cuillins SSSI Strath SSSI Cuillin Hills NSA Sligachan peatlands SAC To read about our Skye properties and their management; https://www.johnmuirtrust.org/trust-land/skye Deer are managed by local staff in accordance with the Trust’s Wildland Management Standards, its deer policy and Best Practice Guidelines. There are deer management obligations associated with woodland schemes, open range AECS and peatland restoration. To read about our WLMS and deer policy; http://www.wildlandmanagement.org.uk/ https://www.johnmuirtrust.org/about/resources/311-deer-management-policy

4.4.7 The Scottish Government (RPID) The Scottish Ministers is the owner of the Kilbride Estate which sits with the northern end of the South Skye Deer Management Group Our sporting area extends to match the whole area of the Estate which is some 3411ha. It extends from the shores of Loch Eishort to southern and eastern sides of Beinn Na Caillich with an open boundary to the northern adjacent lands of the John Muir Trust. Sitka forestry bounds the Eastern side to the north of the Broadford to Elgol public road, with the combined forestry area extending to 429 ha. The sporting area is covered by a crofting unit and 2 separate common grazings with the hill grazed by sheep. Our sporting interest is let to a sporting tenant on a 10-yearly cycle with Deer numbers being kept under regular management in order to achieve a balance between agricultural, environmental and sporting interests. From 2019 our sporting tenant will conduct an annual count of deer and report to the Scottish Ministers.

5. Future Management

5.1 Membership of the SSDMG The Group consists of Deer Managers, owners of land and occupiers with a controlling interest from: • The Clan Donald Lands Trust • Sleat General Grazings Committee • Forestry and Land (Scotland) • Sleat Community Trust • Tormore Farm • The Scottish Government (RPID) • John Muir Trust Plus: • Scottish Natural Heritage (acting in an advisory capacity) • Representative from the Sleat Community Council

The Sleat Community Council are the conduit for all representations from members of the public in Sleat who need to feed into the group. It is the intention to afford the wider areas’ Community Councils a similar opportunity. The South Skye Deer Management Group are members of the Association of Deer Management Groups.

5.2 Long Term Policy Landlords’ awareness of their own circumstances on the ground is the prelude to effective management. The group endeavours to maintain a healthy biodiversity which accommodates a favourable balance of species and supports their land management objectives. This Deer Control Plan along with Individual Landlord’s policies will be reviewed annually for operational reasons and undergo a full review for suitability every three years.

5.3 Deer Managers Development A process of Continual Professional Development (CPD) is encouraged to ensure the appropriate skills will be in place to meet the needs and objectives of the SSDMG. Group members will be encouraged to act as practitioners, coaches and mentors to others who are looking to gain new skills from within the group. Learning objectives will be agreed by the individual and captured within the plan and the subsequent monitoring process.

5.4 Policy Statement

In order to support its future objectives, the South Skye Deer Management Group have adopted the following Policy Statement to ensure adequate and appropriate skills exist within the group’s membership:

South Skye Deer Management Group

Policy Statement

The South Skye Deer Management Group take their management responsibilities seriously, and in order to accomplish the objectives set out in Section 7, will encourage appropriate development for their Deer Managers. Individual Deer Managers have a responsibility for their own continuous professional development and this development will be supported by all members of the group, through ‘on the job’ coaching or mentoring.

6. Deer – The Current Situation

6.1 Historical Perspective & Current Impacts As a co-ordinated approach had not been in place prior to 2016 and deer numbers were known to varying degrees, most people simply knew that there were too many in the wrong place. Deer fencing in Sleat has been installed to exclude deer from plantations, townships, isolated dwelling houses and SSSI’s, most notably on the west-facing coastal townships of Ord, Tokavaig, Tarskavaig and Achnacloich. Where there are leased sporting interest to 3rd parties where land is in crofting tenure crofters have raised concerns over their rights to control vermin. It is clear they do continue to have a right to control vermin as well as right to benefit from ground game on their holdings. The changes in the delivery of CAP support moving from headage payment to an area-based payment has resulted in a breeding sheep reduction from a high in 1998 of 95,631 to 55,245 in 2016. The consequence of this will have been deer numbers increasing. Deer fencing is very expensive to install and leaves a heavy burden of future maintenance. It has serious deer welfare implications and has an impact on the aesthetics of the natural landscape. Additionally, gates in fences are left open by the visiting public so they are not 100% effective as a measure of exclusion. The upper hill ground in Sleat is managed by the main landlords and various Common Grazings Committees, including the SGGC and comprising various important habitats. This places restrictions on what can be carried out on the hill, covered by the Common Grazings Regulations and various Tenancy agreements.

6.2 Current Deer Control In Sleat, a high incidence of marauding deer on the crofts and land adjacent to the townships of Kilmore, Ferrindonald, Saasaig and Teangue, coupled with capacity issues to deal with each reported incident by CDLT staff, led to an agreement being drawn up with the Approved Controller for SGGC and the CDLT. Along with activity by the estates, this has had a combined effect of reducing numbers to a more sustainable level, and the position has been established with a helicopter count in 2017. Cull numbers have been shared by both parties. Deer fencing has also been erected around forestry plantations and other woodland enclosures for the protection of the young trees. Several of these enclosures at Ord and Dalavil encompass woodlands that are reaching maturity and are not at risk from damage by deer, therefore consideration is being given to taking these fences down, thus releasing the deer’s favourite habitat back to them. This action will contribute to the deer relocating to more favoured areas where they are less of a problem to agriculture and households. Forestry and Land (Scotland), the Clan Donald Lands Trust, the Sleat Community Trust and authorised deer controllers for the Sleat General Grazings Committee carry out independent deer control under both General Authorisation for out of season shooting and Night Shooting to address their individual requirements. As there have not been concerns raised by the Scottish Government’s crofting tenants over deer numbers, the Scottish Ministers has not in recent times set deer control targets on its Kilbride Estate.

On the JMT properties there are a number of influences that affect deer management. The Trust recognises the role of deer in healthy ecosystems and have a broad range of habitat monitoring in place to record the effects of deer on their environment. When the opportunity arises staff and contractors carry out deer counts to supplement the monitoring data. Regular liaison with the three grazing committees, two community associations and one management committee also inform how and where the deer management takes place. On Strathaird, woodland and peatland restoration projects carry deer control commitments. Throughout all its management activities the Trust aims to be transparent and cull targets, deer management plans and property management plans are all published online. Currently, no collaborative culling takes place, as individual members effectively manage their own areas. All members have suitable larder facilities complying with either Scottish Quality Wild Venison Guidelines or SNH’s Best Practice Guidance.

6.3 Confirmation of Deer Populations

A helicopter count was organised for March 2016 which has independently confirmed numbers and locations of the main species of deer that populate Sleat. The Data from the count has been collated by SNH and will be used as a management tool to determine what actions may be required to ameliorate the difficulties the deer pose to agriculture activities and residents’ property.

7. Future Control Strategy

7.1 Collaboration A meeting had been called by SNH in July 2015 to discuss the formation of a South Skye Deer Management group. CDLT and its grazings committee representatives took a pro-active approach and decided to set up a DMG which best served the needs of the land owners and occupiers of the geographical area under most pressure from the actions and inactions of previous deer management regimes. The Sleat Deer Management Group was therefore constituted on the 12th of January 2016 and with the addition of the JMT and Scottish Government became a Deer Control Group, under the name of the South Skye Deer Management Group (SSDMG).

7.2 Cull Requirements by Species (All Stakeholders) If deer populations are considered excessive and they continue to interfere with agriculture and domestic grounds, action will be taken wherever possible to address the relevant areas concerns through targeted culling and other measures. Deer are natural wanderers and can cover great distances overnight so may continue to return to their habitual feeding areas. They are also prolific breeders with a herd expected to increase by 34% per year1. Data will be gathered through count and recruitment assessments. Given those two conditions, there is likely to be a case for controlled culls which meet the requirements of regulatory bodies, the condition of designated areas such as blanket bog and satisfying the needs of land owners, occupiers and residents. In such instances, actions such as a cull will be necessary, and it is anticipated that additional resources will need to be deployed should a cull be deemed necessary.

7.3 General Cull Strategy Numbers are known from the helicopter count, therefore assessments will be made based on the data that SNH returns. This, balanced with an understanding of the need to maintain the health of the hill, distribution of deer, the areas of greatest impact and effect on centres of habitation will define the actions that need to be taken. Priority is to maintain a healthy and sustainable population that integrates well with the landscape and people, and a re-balancing of surplus numbers may need to be taken in order to achieve that. The situation will be reviewed annually with an assumption that a further helicopter count will be carried out five years hence. This will be a trigger point for the refreshment of all data. It is possible that if deer are holding themselves in preferred areas and are not impacting on the

1 This fecundancy is their natural ability to produce offspring, thus leading to a population increase, which left unchecked could lead to higher pressure in certain areas with increasing marauding. Calving Rate: An increase in the deer population will be less than the calving rate on account of natural mortalities.

wider area or centres of habitation, a foot count would be sufficient to cover the 5-year update of numbers. A discussion between members will be required should the population be seen to have increased beyond 3 units/per km2.

7.4 Annual Cull/Trend Summaries (All Stakeholders)

As natural breeding cycles occur, the Sleat deer calving rate is expected to grow by 34% per year prior to mortalities, with young animals becoming productive in year 2 within woodland schemes and year 3 - 4 for animals on the open hill. Given no intervention, the herd would continue to pose concerns, meaning culls need to be carried out to keep populations stable.

Tormore Farm comprises such a small area, therefore it is impractical and biologically meaningless to attempt to create formal cull targets and population surveys which would be appropriate to a larger holding having resident breeding populations. Tormore Farm supports no resident red deer and with probably no more than one intermittent Roe Territory at its E end. Accordingly, the most appropriate cull strategy is one which is reactive to any changes in seasonal movements from the forest, together with the protection of new tree planting, residential property and wildlife habitats.

The following tables illustrate the numbers culled.

7.4. (1) Annual Population Review and Cull/Target Summary - Clan Donald Lands Trust - Open Hill (Includes Combined Totals up to 2016/17)

Clan Donald Lands Trust – Open Hill Year 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Red 216 Red Red 255 Red Red Red Deer Nos. - 1st Apr.

Roe Roe Roe 25 Roe Roe Roe

Cull

Actual

Target

Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Males 15 20 15 22 15 16 25 29 35 40 10 17 16 12 12 11 12 12 12 2 Females 25 9 40 41 40 51 40 35 30 33 20 21 25 26 27 27 25 29 25 14 Red Juveniles 5 6 15 6 15 17 15 10 15 25 5 4 6 8 8 17 8 5 8 8 Total 45 35 70 69 70 84 80 74 80 98 35 42 47 46 47 55 45 46 45 24 Males 0 0 Females 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 Roe Juveniles 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 Total 0 0 0 2 6 0 0 Males 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Females 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sika Juveniles 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Deer ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↑ Trends numbers → ↓ ↑ Observed ↑ ↓ ↓ → → → ↑ → → → Mortality

‘Actual’ Columns for the current year will be completed by March 30th when Members have provided the annual figure.

7.4. (2) Annual Population Review and Cull/Target Summary - Clan Donald Lands Trust - Armadale In-bye

Clan Donald Lands Trust - Armadale In-bye Year 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Red 14 Red Red Red Deer Nos. - 1st Apr.

Roe 12 Roe Roe Roe

Cull

Actual

Target

Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Males 2 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 Females 4 5 3 1 0 0 8 6 Red Juveniles 2 1 1 0 0 0 4 6 Total 8 6 4 1 0 0 16 14 Males 2 0 2 1 2 3 Females 2 2 2 3 6 8 Roe Juveniles 0 0 2 1 3 4 Total 4 2 6 5 11 15 Males Females Sika Juveniles Total Deer ↓ ↓ ↓ ↑ Trends numbers → ↓ ↑ Observed → → → → Mortality

7.4. (3) Annual Population Review and Cull/Target Summary - Clan Donald Lands Trust - Glen Meadhonach

Clan Donald Lands Trust - Glen Meadhonach Year 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Red 0 Red Red Red Deer Nos. - 1st Apr.

Roe 0 Roe Roe Roe

Cull

Actual

Target

Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Males 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Females 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Red Juveniles 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Males 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 Females 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Roe Juveniles 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 Males Females Sika Juveniles Total Deer → → ↓ → Trends numbers → ↓ ↑ Observed → → → → Mortality

7.4. (4) Annual Population Review and Cull/Target Summary - Clan Donald Lands Trust - Dalavil

Clan Donald Lands Trust - Dalavil Year 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Red 216 Red Red 20 Red Red Red Deer Nos. - 1st Apr.

Roe Roe Roe 0 Roe Roe Roe

Cull

Actual

Target

Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Males 1 1 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 Females 2 3 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 Red Juveniles 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 Total 3 5 3 8 0 0 0 0 0 Males Females Roe Juveniles Total Males Females Sika Juveniles Total Deer ↑ → ↓ → → Trends numbers → ↓ ↑ Observed → → → → → Mortality

7.4. (5) Annual Population Review and Cull/Target Summary - Clan Donald Lands Trust - Ostaig Woods (New)

Clan Donald Lands Trust - Ostaig Woods (New) Year 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Red 216 Red Red 7 Red Red Red Deer Nos. - 1st Apr.

Roe Roe Roe 1 Roe Roe Roe

Cull

Actual

Target

Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Males 0 0 1 1 0 3 4 0 Females 7 8 4 4 2 2 0 0 Red Juveniles 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 Total 7 8 6 7 2 5 4 0 Males 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 Females 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Roe Juveniles 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 Males Females Sika Juveniles Total Deer → ↓ ↓ ↑ Trends numbers → ↓ ↑ Observed → → → → Mortality

7.4. (6) - Annual Population Review and Cull/Target Summary – F.L.S. (Kinloch)

Forestry and Land Scotland - Kinloch Year 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Red Red 500 400 Red Red Red Deer Nos. - 1st Apr.

Roe Roe 100 100 Roe Roe Roe

Cull

Actual

Target

Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Males 45 80 71 80 72 78 50 78 36 70 69 60 63 68 57 34 Females 76 80 91 80 88 78 93 78 56 70 76 60 42 59 49 38 Red Juveniles 14 45 37 45 43 45 29 45 19 30 35 20 20 32 29 17 Total 135 205 199 205 203 201 172 201 111 170 180 140 125 159 135 89 Males 11 10 15 10 15 12 17 12 13 20 22 20 20 10 18 4 Females 13 10 14 10 16 12 14 12 15 15 19 20 14 16 23 7 Roe Juveniles 2 5 7 5 6 5 12 5 4 20 21 20 5 12 7 1 Total 26 25 36 25 37 29 43 29 32 55 62 60 39 38 48 12 Males 1 Females Sika Juveniles Total 1 Deer ↑ ↓ → ↓ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↑ ↓ → Trends numbers → ↓ ↑ Observed → → → ↓ ↓ ↓ Mortality

7.4. (7) - Annual Population Review and Cull/Target Summary – F.L.S. (Broadford)

Forestry and Land Scotland - Broadford Year 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Red Red Red Red Red Red Deer Nos. - 1st Apr.

Roe Roe Roe Roe Roe Roe

Cull

Actual

Target

Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Males 10 5 4 4 Females 7 6 1 Red Juveniles 2 1 0 Total 19 12 4 5 Males 2 0 1 5 Females 6 3 2 3 Roe Juveniles 3 3 3 2 Total 11 6 6 10 Males Females Sika Juveniles Total Deer ↓ → → Trends numbers → ↓ ↑ Observed

Mortality

7.4. (8) - Annual Population Review and Cull/Target Summary – F.L.S. (Glenbrittle )

Forestry and Land Scotland - Glenbrittle Year 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Red Red Red Red Red Red Deer Nos. - 1st Apr.

Roe Roe Roe Roe Roe Roe

Cull

Actual

Target

Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Males 38 16 37 34 Females 14 12 16 24 Red Juveniles 4 6 9 22 Total 56 34 62 80 Males 12 7 8 14 Females 17 5 9 18 Roe Juveniles 5 4 6 7 Total 34 16 23 39 Males Females Sika Juveniles Total Deer ↓ → → Trends numbers → ↓ ↑ Observed

Mortality

7.4. (9) - Annual Population Review and Cull/Target Summary – Sleat General Grazings Committee, Kilmore - Teangue Lease Area

Sleat General Grazings Committee, Kilmore - Teangue Lease Area Year 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Red Red Red 40 Red Red Red Deer Nos. - 1st Apr.

Roe Roe Roe 0 Roe Roe Roe

Cull

Actual

Target

Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Males 4 4 - 5 - 4 - 5 Females 8 11 - 11 - 7 - 13 Red Juveniles 4 7 - 7 - 6 - 7 Total 30 16 15 22 20 23 - 17 - 25 Males Females Roe Juveniles Total Males Females Sika Juveniles Total Deer ↓ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↓ ↑ Trends numbers → ↓ ↑ Observed ↓ → → → → → Mortality

7.4. (10) - Annual Population Review and Cull/Target Summary – S.C.T.

Sleat Community Trust/Sleat Renewables Ltd (Tormore Forest) Year 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Red Red 10 Red 15 Red Red Red Deer Nos. - 1st Apr.

Roe Roe 15 Roe 20 Roe Roe Roe

Cull

Actual

Target

Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Males 22 14 5 12 9 11 Females 28 14 14 20 11 13 Red Juveniles 13 9 5 0 0 0 Total 63 37 20 24 20 32 20 24 Males 7 4 5 5 4 6 Females 1 4 7 11 9 7 Roe Juveniles 2 2 5 0 0 0 Total 10 10 15 17 15 16 13 13 Males 0 0 Females 0 0 Sika Juveniles 0 0 Total 0 0 Deer ↑ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ → Trends numbers → ↓ ↑ Observed ↓ ↓ → → Mortality

7.4. (11) - Annual Population Review and Cull/Target Summary – Tarskavaig & Tokavaig Woodland Schemes (SGGC Controllers)

Tarskavaig & Tokavaig Woodland Schemes (SGGC Controllers) Year 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Red Red 5 Red 5 Red Red Red Deer Nos. - 1st Apr.

Roe Roe 10 Roe 10 Roe Roe Roe

Cull

Actual

Target

Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Males 6 3 2 3 - 2 - 5 Females 4 2 2 7 - 5 - 3 Red Juveniles 2 2 2 3 - 5 - 3 Total 12 9 7 6 13 - 12 - 11 Males 2 4 2 2 - 3 - 1 Females 3 3 4 1 - 1 - 1 Roe Juveniles 3 4 4 2 - 1 - 2 Total 8 16 11 10 5 - 5 - 4 Males Females Sika Juveniles Total Deer ↓ ↑ ↓ → ↓ Trends numbers → ↓ ↑ Observed → → → → → Mortality

7.4. (12) - Annual Population Review and Cull/Target Summary – Crofts – Tarskavaig, Tokavaig, Aird + Cammard (SGGC Controllers)

Crofts – Tarskavaig, Tokavaig, Aird + Cammard (SGGC Controllers) Year 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Red Red Red Red Red Red Deer Nos. - 1st Apr.

Roe Roe Roe Roe Roe Roe

Cull

Actual

Target

Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Males - 2 - 4 0 8 - 7 - 6 Females - 7 - 0 4 - 0 - 2 Red Juveniles - 1 - 0 2 - 0 - 2 Total - 10 - 4 0 14 - 7 - 10 Males Females Roe Juveniles Total Males Females Sika Juveniles Total Deer ↓ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑ → numbers → Observed ↓ → ↓ → → Mortality

7.4. (13) - Annual Population Review and Cull/Target Summary – John Muir Trust

John Muir Trust Year 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Red Red Red Red Red Red Deer Nos. - 1st Apr.

Roe Roe Roe Roe Roe Roe

Cull

Actual

Target

Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Males 20 17 30 33 30 29 Females 30 27 35 31 40 41 Red Juveniles 10 8 n/a 9 n/a 9 Total 18 3 0 8 6 3 4 60 52 65 73 70 79 Males 1 3 2 5 2 5 4 Females 0 5 5 5 0 5 1 Roe Juveniles 0 1 n/a 0 n/a 0 Total 1 8 8 10 5 10 5 Males Females Sika Juveniles Total Deer

Trends numbers → ↓ ↑ Observed

Mortality

7.4. (14) - Annual Population Review and Cull/Target Summary – Scottish Government

Scottish Government (Kilbride) Year 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Red Red Red Red Red Red Deer Nos. - 1st Apr.

Roe Roe Roe Roe Roe Roe

Cull

Actual

Target

Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Males n/a 8 n/a 2 n/a 0 n/a 3 n/a 2 n/a 1 n/a 1 n/a 1 6 6 6 7 Females n/a 10 n/a 1 n/a 0 n/a 5 n/a 4 n/a 2 n/a 2 n/a 2 12 11 12 12 Red Juveniles n/a 0 n/a 0 n/a 0 n/a 0 n/a 0 n/a 0 n/a 1 n/a 1 n/a 4 n/a 5 Total 18 3 0 8 6 3 4 4 18 21 18 24 Males 1 Females 0 Roe Juveniles 0 Total 1 Males Females Sika Juveniles Total Deer ↓ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↓ ↑ → ↑ ↑ Trends numbers → ↓ ↑ Observed

Mortality

7.4.(15) – Tormore Farm

Tormore Farm Year 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Red Red Red Red Red Red Deer Nos. - 1st Apr.

Roe Roe Roe Roe Roe Roe

Cull

Actual

Target

Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual Males ------Females ------Red Juveniles ------Total ------Males ------0 - 0 Females ------0 - 0 Roe Juveniles ------0 - 0 Total ------0 - 0 Males ------Females ------Sika Juveniles ------Total ------Deer ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ → → Trends numbers → ↓ ↑ Observed

Mortality

8. Health & Safety

Activities on the hill are not free of hazards on account of working with animals, the terrain, activities being carried out, or inclement weather. In that regard, organisations which have a direct responsibility for activities on the hill recognise their obligations as follows:

8.1 Clan Donald Lands Trust: On account of the sensitive nature of the flora and fauna, vehicles such as mountain bikes, moto-cross motorcycles and ATV’s are not allowed on the hill except for agricultural work, as are any other vehicles with the exception of Scottish Water who use the track laid specifically for their quad bikes to gain access to Loch Mic Charmicheil.

Control of deer can happen at any time and CDLT Grazings Committees have in place an agreement whereby CDLT Stalkers contact the Grazings Clerks for the area in which they intend to stalk prior to accessing the Common Grazings to ensure that there are no safety concerns. As much notice as possible is given and it is the responsibility of the Grazings Clerk to disseminate that information.

8.2 Sleat General Grazings Committee’s Authorised Controllers Authorised deer controllers have by the nature of their qualifications and activity, a good grasp of conduct and conditions on the hill. Crofters also frequent the hill to conduct livestock operations and they are similarly familiar with their surroundings and conditions. The Controllers are all active Crofters who are fully aware of all the relevant Health & Safety concerns associated with any activities on Common Grazings or Croftland.

8.3 Forest and Land Scotland All of our deer management activities are undertaken within a comprehensive health and safety framework. We employ professional health and safety advisors and take a continuous improvement approach to assessment and mitigating risk. Health and safety considerations are a major factor in defining working methods, Wildlife Ranger training and development programmes, and provision of equipment for deer management. We operate comprehensive fail-to-safe lone working systems. Our Wildlife Rangers use the Guardian 24 lone working system which requires logging-in and logging-out, before and after deer management activities. We are currently assessing future needs including the use of technology such as personal locator beacons. We believe that, as outlined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, access and safety should work together, therefore in most circumstances we safely carry out deer management activities whilst maintaining open access to the NFE. However, safety will always be the over-riding principle in all our management activities, and we take full account of patterns of woodland use by the public and operational activities when we are determining our deer management plans for an area.

A very important aspect of safety is the stalkers continual observation and risk assessment of the stalking environment and circumstances during the stalk, and the need to be absolutely certain of a safe backdrop before taking the shot. We have produced a deer management protocol to ensure the safe management and communication of our deer stalking activities in and around developments such as windfarms and hydro schemes. Prevention of Lyme’s disease forms a key part of health and safety management for all operatives working on the NFE. In addition, we provide public information on tick avoidance and what to do if bitten.

8.4 Sleat Community Trust Authorised deer controllers have by the nature of their qualifications and activity, a good grasp of conduct and conditions in the woodlands. The controllers are all fully aware of all the Health & Safety concerns associated with any activities within the woodland.

8.5 Tormore Farm The nominated stalker has over 30 years and stalking / range experience, BDS advanced accreditation and appropriate third-party indemnity. Stalking activities will be carried out according to best practice in a manner appropriate to public access /safety and other land use activities.

8.6 John Muir Trust It is the policy of the Trust to create a working environment which is as safe as can reasonably be achieved, and to maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for employees and others acting on its behalf. In line with this, staff have access to a shared health and safety resource containing advice notes, updated information and risk assessments covering activities and properties. Staff involved in deer management are expected to be familiar with the relevant risk assessments. Those culling are required to hold DSC 1 and 2 and have valid first aid, manual handling and ATV training. Staff are provided with SPOT locators for use in lone working situations.

8.7 Scottish Government Our shooting tenants are required to hold Deer Stalking Certificates at level 1 and Level 2. Our tenant shall ensure that all person’s exercising shootings/stalking are under the supervision of an appropriate person holding the qualifications referred to above. Sporting tenant’s will liaise with crofting tenants to advise when stalking will take place on their lands. Our sporting tenant is required to have comprehensive insurance cover of a minimum of £5,000 000 in respect of damage or injury to property, persons or domestic animals and shall free and relieve the Landlord of all claims arising from the acts of the tenant and his guests and employees.

8.8 Members of the Public Members of the public have a responsibility for their own safety and in respect of their wellbeing, any member of the public concerned about access to the hill during the open season (1st of July to the 15th of February) should contact the relevant members on:

Estate Telephone e-mail Address

(07918) 075 700 Chris Cartwright [email protected] (01471) 844 305 [email protected] CDLT http://www.clandonald.com/estate/crofting http://www.clandonald.com/estate/activities-field-sports

FLS (07887) 626 634 Russell Cooper [email protected]

SCT (01471) 844 773 [email protected] & www.sleat.org.uk (comments page).

TMF (01471)844 340 Ian Lindsay [email protected]

JMT (01471) 866 388 Ally Macaskill [email protected]

RPID (0300) 244 516 Ewen MacPherson [email protected]

9. Risk Assessments

Risk assessments in place (Y/N) Comments/ Actions required Condition:

CDLT SGGC FLS SCT TMF* JMT RPID

Access Y Y Y Y Y N N

Stalking Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Use of Vehicles Y Y Y Y N/A N N

Use of ATV’s Y Y Y Y N/A Y Y

Use of firearms Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Communications Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Larder hygiene Y Y Y Y N/A Y Y

Lone working Y Y Y N N Y Y

Team shoots Y Y Y Y N N N

* Private Undertaking

10. Financial

As a start-up organisation, with few capital reserves to fall back on, outgoings must be carefully considered, only accepting those which are relevant to the immediate requirements of the group. The greatest cost facing the group is that of establishing deer numbers.

Proper financial probity is exercised within the group’s activities and annual accounts are audited independently and professionally.

11. Venison

Food Standards (Scotland)

Any food that is produced must be safe to eat and in order to achieve this, we will follow the deer industry best practice standards that are endorsed by food Standards (Scotland). Food Standards Scotland was established by the Food (Scotland) Act 2015 and is the public sector food body for Scotland. They ensure that information and advice on food safety and standards, nutrition and labelling is independent, consistent, evidence-based and consumer-focused, and the South Skye Deer Management Group adheres to those values. Each producer within the Group is concerned with consumer protection, ensuring that their venison is produced in a safe manner and is fit to be passed into the human food chain. Future collaboration in venison production and marketing would be a longer-term goal. Each producer within the group has its own processing facilities and methods of achieving the Food Safety Standards, as follows:

11.1 Clan Donald Lands Trust

Process Methodology

e.g. Gralloching Carried out in-line with industry standard Best Practice.

e.g. Hill Transport Various mechanised transport used to convey the carcass to larder and chill facilities, in-line with industry standard Best Practice.

Dirty & Chilled Room meet the standards of current environmental health and industry standard Best Practice. e.g. Larder Processes Cull records reflect necessary information in-line with industry standard Best Practice, as do Larder records prior to processing.

Venison processed in a Highland Council/Environmental Health e.g. Dispatch of Meat approved facility in –line with current food safety standards for hygiene, packaging & labelling.

11.2 Forestry and Land Scotland

Process Methodology

Gralloching Follow SQWV guidelines and Industry Best Practice.

Hill Transport Follow SQWV guidelines and Industry Best Practice.

Larder Processes Follow SQWV guidelines and Industry Best Practice.

Dispatch of Meat Follow SQWV guidelines and Industry Best Practice.

11.3 Sleat General Grazings Committee

Process Methodology

Gralloching Carried on-site ASAP, as per best practice guidance

Hill Transport Mechanical transport used to convey the carcass to larder and chiller facilities.

Chilled Room meeting the standards of current legislation. Carcass identified by tag, including location of kill, date of kill and Larder Processes confirmation of inspection by Approved Hunter as per current legislation. Larder Record maintained, showing all relevant information.

Dispatch of Meat Picked up by approved game dealer in temperature controlled vehicle.

11.4 Sleat Community Trust

Process Methodology

Gralloching Carried on-site ASAP, as per best practice guidance

Hill Transport Mechanical transport used to convey the carcass to larder and chiller facilities

Chilled Room meeting the standards of current legislation. Carcass identified by tag, including location of kill, date of kill and Larder Processes confirmation of inspection by Approved Hunter as per current legislation. Larder record maintained showing all relevant information.

Dispatch of Meat Picked up by approved game dealer in temperature controlled vehicle

11.5 Tormore Farm

Process Methodology Gralloching Hill Transport Larder Processes Dispatch of Meat

11.6 John Muir Trust

Process Methodology

Gralloching Follow SQWV and Best Practice guidance.

Hill Transport Follow SQWV and Best Practice guidance.

Larder Processes Follow SQWV and Best Practice guidance.

Dispatch of Meat Follow SQWV and Best Practice guidance.

11.7 Scottish Government

Process Methodology

Gralloching Follow SQWV and Best Practice guidance.

Hill Transport Follow SQWV and Best Practice guidance.

Larder Processes Follow SQWV and Best Practice guidance.

Dispatch of Meat Follow SQWV and Best Practice guidance.

12. Marketing (All Stakeholders)

The members of the South Skye Deer Management Group have an interest in the full process from wild animals on the hill to dispatching wholesome meat to a responsible customer, whether the processor is in a food chain or selling direct to the public. The visual image, packaging and presentation of the produce that leaves members premises is important in ensuring the public perception of Venison is maintained and protected as a built-in method of operating. Each producer within the group has its own methods of maintaining Food Safety Standards along with the image of their produce. All venison identified as fit for human consumption is chilled to approved temperatures as soon as practicable after culling and retained in a chiller until collection by an approved Game Dealer with a temperature-controlled vehicle, or for further processing by individual members as per their individual mission statements. Tormore Farm’s nominated deer manager has British Deer Society Advanced Stalker Accreditation and appropriate third-party indemnity. All deer shot on Tormore Farm are retained solely for private/personal consumption.

13. Glossary:

CDLT Clan Donald Lands Trust CPD Continuous Professional Development DCP Deer Control Plan DMG Deer Management Group FEI Fearann Eilean Iarmain FLS Forestry & Land Scotland JMT John Muir Trust NFE National Forest Estate NVC National Vegetation Classification RPID Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (Scottish Government) SCC Sleat Community Council SCT Sleat Community Trust SG Scottish Government (RPID) SGGC Sleat General Grazings Committee SNH Scottish Natural Heritage SQWV Scottish Quality Wild Venison SSDMG South Skye Deer Management Group TMF Tormore Farm

11. Appendices Appendix 1 - SSDMG Boundary Map

Appendix 2 Deer Species Distribution Map and SNH Adopted Deer Count

Appendix 3 – Woodland areas in Sleat

Appendix 4 – RPID Skye Sporting Leases

Appendix 5. – GDPR Policy

The General Data Protection Regulations place responsibilities on organisations to ensure that activities involving the processing of personal information are undertaken responsibly and within the guidelines. To that end, the SSDMG have produced a policy, as follows:

SSDMG Data Protection Policy

The SSDMG will only hold personal data that enables it to communicate effectively with its members. This data will be limited to contact details and will only be used to support the effective administration of the lawful business of the SSDMG. All reasonable precautions will be taken to protect this data and it will not be used for any other purpose.

Appendix 6. - Other useful contacts and information

This Deer Control Plan has been written to provide a summation of the activities and performance of the South Skye Deer Management Group. As the Group has five main active members covering the whole of the area shown at Appendix 1, this plan is of necessity an overview. Active members will evolve the content of this plan as they work with it but if you wish to know more about the corporate organisations, please visit the websites of the individual Groups to gain additional insight:

Forest and Land (Scotland) [email protected]

Clan Donald Lands Trust www.armadalecastle.com

Sleat Community Trust www.sleat.org.uk

John Muir Trust www.johnmuirtrust.org

Scottish Government [email protected]

South Skye Deer Management Group Site Posted on SCT and CDLT Web Sites (above).