Scottish stalkers offered £95k funding boost

Deer stalkers across Scotland’s lowlands can now access a second round of funding to upgrade their venison processing facilities, with £95,000 available through the Low Ground Venison Supply Chain Pilot Project.

The scheme, administered by SAOS in partnership with NatureScot, Lowland Deer Network Scotland and Scottish Venison, runs from 15 August to 26 September. It offers financial assistance for carcass handling facilities, enabling stalkers to increase deer culling capacity and improve throughput.

Fourteen applicants have already received grants in the first phase, predominantly for funding towards new chiller facilities and larder improvements to professionalise the supply chain.

Applications must demonstrate best practice for carcass handling, show potential for increased throughput and present a sound business case. Projects must be located within Lowland Deer Network Scotland’s operational area.

John Bruce, chairman of Lowland Deer Network Scotland, said: “I’m really proud that after surveying low ground stalkers and evidencing their need for improving their chillers, we have worked with partners to be able to run this grant scheme. I hope that many deer stalkers take up this opportunity.”

Successful applicants will be notified by mid-October. Initial enquiries should be directed to venison@saos.coop, with full details available here.

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