Call for wider culling rightsThe Scottish Crofting Federation and Scottish Tenant Farmers Association are pressing ministers to extend deer culling rights to moorland and common grazings as part of Natural Environment Bill reforms. Under current legislation, farming and crofting tenants can only cull deer damaging crops and land that has undergone development. SCF chief executive Donna Smith said extending this would be “enormously helpful” as deer damage crofting interests by competing with livestock for feed and destroying woodland and agricultural production. She cited concerns about “loss of stags and subsequent loss of income, but also potential disruption when it comes to population dynamics of the deer herd”. We aim to respond to all genuine news tips and respect source confidentiality.