Conservation body defends Perthshire deer cull after landowner’s criticism

Conservation body Scottish Natural Heritage has defended controversial deer cull plans after stinging criticism from a Highland landowner.

Egyptian telecoms boss Alain Angelil spoke out as preparations got under way for a mass shooting of red and roe deer at woodlands across Perthshire.

The 72-year-old, who has recently sold his 10,000-acre Cluny estate at Kingussie, said: “Scottish Natural Heritage is always talking about killing red deer. I do not agree with it.”

Robbie Kernahan, SNH’s head of wildlife operations, has insisted there was a need to manage deer populations.

“We work in partnership with estates, the Scottish Government, and with deer management interests locally to ensure that management is, firstly, agreed and, secondly, sustainable,” he said.