Commercial stag shooting on the publicly owned island of Rum has been leased to a sporting business run by a hotel on a neighbouring island.
There are thought to be around 1,000 red deer on Rum which is a National Nature Reserve (NNR) managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) for Scottish ministers.
The agency says it has conducted “rigorous tendering exercise” for the shooting rights and a lease has now been concluded with Gallanach Lodge on Muck, another of the Small Isles. The hotel offers shooting to its guests.
Its representatives will now be in charge of carrying out the stag cull on behalf of SNH during 2015 and 2016 in line with the NNR’s objectives.
The lease allows the cull to be carried out on a commercial basis. That permits Gallanach Lodge to bring paying guests to come and experience the unique stalking opportunities Rum has to offer.
The lease will also provide socio-economic benefits to the community of Rum by providing seasonal employment and giving support to local businesses.
The Isle of Rum Community Trust was involved in the tender assessment process.
Allan Henderson, the chairman, said: “This initiative complements many of the projects the community is already undertaking on Rum, such as the new bunkhouse.”
Chris Donald, SNH’s South Highland operations manager, said:
“It is a novel concept for us as it allows paying guests to be responsible for conservation management and helps bring a new sort of visitor to Rum to experience the fantastic wildlife and landscape. And red deer welfare as very firmly at the heart of what we are doing. "
He said the contract was rigorous in applying the principles of good animal husbandry and ethical shooting practices, within the reserve.
Toby Fichtner-Irvine who runs Gallanach Lodge said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to take on the stag cull on Rum which will complement our existing business interests and provide benefits across the Small Isles’ economy. We look forward to working with SNH and the Rum community in this special place.”
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