The merger of the Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) will help deliver a better service for countryside customers, strengthen stakeholder relationships and increase efficiency by reducing costs and sharing resources, Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said today.
The merger, which was proposed as part of the Public Service Reform Bill introduced to Parliament last year, will see SNH taking on the role of promoting sustainable deer management and conservation.
At a reception at this year’s Scottish Game Fair at Scone in Perth, the Minister launched SNH’s first plan for its new role. Managing Scotland’s Deer sets out how the organisation will take over from the DCS, with former staff transferring to two new units – Wildlife Operations and Rural Resources Management. A transitional Deer Panel will also advise and train the current SNH boards, committees, management team and senior staff over the next three years.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister said: “Merging the responsibilities of the Deer Commission for Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage will combine the strengths and expertise of both organisations and is a key aspect of the Scottish Government’s commitment to public sector reform.”
The Scottish Government plans to reform deer management further with the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill, which was introduced to Parliament on 9 June and is currently being looked at by the Rural Affairs Committee. The Bill is intended to make further changes to deer management in Scotland, as well as revising and updating game laws and other areas of wildlife management.
The Minister spoke of how the merger and the Bill will affect the future of deer management, stating: “Alongside the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill, the move will help ensure that Scotland’s wildlife is managed in a sustainable and balanced way for future generations and enhance relationships with wildlife managers which are founded on trust and mutual respect.”
SNH chief executive Ian Jardine said that the new measures would combine to “make our work more joined up and efficient.” He said: “Staff from both organisations are committed to help manage Scotland’s wildlife to benefit us all, now and into the future. Managing Scotland’s wildlife is not only needed for a healthy and diverse environment, it is also crucial for Scotland’s rural economy and tourism.”
To read more about the Bill, click here.
