Mounthwatering Finale for Schools Deer Project

FRESH wild meat will be on the menu for schoolkids in Strathspey on Monday when a renowned cook rustles up some tasty treats from local venison.

Youngsters from Abernethy and Deshar primary schools will be sampling a range of deer-based delights during a cookery demonstration by past Masterchef finalist Fi Bird.

Last month the pupils visited Kinveachy Estate, where they met stalkers and rangers to learn how and why wild deer are managed in the countryside.

Monday’s event will give them a chance to try out dishes created from the final product; wild venison from animals like those they saw and learned about in the estate’s deer larder.

Media are invited to attend at Deshar Primary Primary School, Boat of Garten on Monday 6 October at 1:30pm. Please ask for Catriona Ross on arrival at the school.

Highland Council ranger Saranne Bish said: “It’s vital that children learn where what’s on their plates comes from and learn to connect with food and how it relates to the environment.

“Out on the estate the youngsters were totally fascinated to discover more about deer. Actually being out there on the spot, talking to estate staff, finding out how the animals and land are managed made it all very real and memorable. Getting children to think about where meat comes from can be perceived as challenging but it’s really important. Once they are armed with knowledge they can make informed decisions about what they choose to eat.

“Venison is a superb, wild product – as well as being low fat and versatile it’s absolutely delicious. We’re all looking forward to tasting what Fi’s going to be cooking up on Monday.”

The project to teach school children about deer management and venison is run by the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Deer Commission Scotland, Highland Council Countryside Rangers and Seafield Estates.