Freedom of Information Request - Loch Choire Estate deer culls since 2023
Date: 17 November 2025
Our ref: SIR182263/A5551462
Information Request – Loch Choire Estate deer culls since 2023
Your Request
I am aware that in 2023, NatureScot culled deer at Loch Choire estate in order to protect SSSIs.
Please provide details of any further culls, including the number of deer culled and the cost to NatureScot.
Our Response
We have discussed your request with the Wildlife Operations Team.
The Loch Choire Estate cull was undertaken under section 10(4) in 2023 and ran from the 11 January 2023 to the 14 February 2023, and over that period a total of 160 deer were culled, 117 hinds, 39 calves and 4 stags.
There have been no further culls by NatureScot staff on the Loch Choire Estate since that 2023 period.
How We Handled Your Request
We believe you have asked for environmental information as defined in the Environmental Information (Scotland Regulations 2004 (‘the EIRs’), so we are dealing with your request under those regulations. To be able to use the EIRs, we must apply an exemption under section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (‘FOISA’). The Scottish Information Commissioner’s guidance recommends that public authorities apply this exemption to environmental information and handle request under the EIRs.
If you would like to find out more about the access to information legislation, there is a guidance booklet available on the Scottish Information Commissioner’s website.
Review and Appeal
I hope this information meets your requirements, but if you are dissatisfied with how we have responded to your information request, please write to us within 40 working days explaining your concerns. You can contact us at Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EW or email us at [email protected]. We will carry out a review of our response and contact you with our findings within 20 working days.
If you are not satisfied following this, you can make an appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner within 6 months. The Scottish Information Commissioner can be contacted at:
Scottish Information Commissioner
Kinburn Castle
Doubledykes Road
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9DS
Telephone: 01334 464610
Yours sincerely
FOI Officer,
NatureScot
