Thirty one land managers with an interest in promoting Deer Watching as a tourism related activity in the Highlands attended a workshop on 7^th February 2006 to address this question. 

The event was organised by the Tourism and Environment Forum and the day was made up of various elements that included understanding the scope of the deer watching product in Scotland, brainstorming sessions and learning from best practice. 

There is considerable scope for development in this area, including guided walks to observe deer in their natural surroundings, photography (“stalking with a camera”), night watching and observing deer at low ground feeding areas.   There are also opportunities for adding value to the potential tourism product, for example by providing a meal/refreshment, including a pony trek or providing guests with access to equipment (e.g. camera).

At the event Ieuan Evans of Aigas Field Centre gave a talk from a field centre perspective highlighting, from their experience, what visitors know about deer and deer management and what we might want them to know.  Gwen Raez of VisitScotland gave an overview of Scottish Tourism, where wildlife watching fits in, current activity and future plans.  Peter Cairns of Northshots gave a presentation on deer photography and how the market has changed dramatically in the last 20 years from being largely male “twitchers” to a mainstream market of both sexes and all age groups and backgrounds.  Martin Lynch of Balnagown Estates discussed the health and safety aspects and Robbie Kernehan of DCS covered the obligations under deer legislation to ensure deer welfare.  Yvonne Crook of View Marketing gave a presentation from a marketing angle.

For full report by Yvonne Crook of View Marketing click here

To view note of meeting by Caroline Eccles of TEF click here