Deer Commission for Scotland
The Deer Commission for Scotland was an executive non-departmental body of the Scottish Government. It was responsible for the conservation, control and sustainable management of all species of wild deer in Scotland. It also acted as the Government's advisor on deer-related matters.
The Commission consisted of 10 members, appointed by the Scottish Ministers. Its head office was at Great Glen House, Inverness,[1] and the organisation was a member of SEARS (Scotland's Environmental and Rural Services).
History
The Deer Commission for Scotland was formed by the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996.[2] Under section 1 of the Public Services (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2010[3] the functions of the Commission were transferred to Scottish Natural Heritage on 1 August 2010 and the Commission was dissolved.[4]
Role
The Commission had statutory roles under the 1996 Act. These included: Authorisations which granted the power to cull deer in circumstances when they would not normally have the legal right to shoot them (e.g. if they are causing damage); and Statutory Returns which individuals or organisations have to complete to provide the Commission with details of culls performed.
In addition, the Commission had a consultancy role including publishing Best Practice Guidelines and Annual Cull Targets.[5]
Criticism
It has been claimed that the compulsory slaughter the Commission carries out has driven foreign shooters away, with critics claiming that this is 'killing' the £100 million Scottish deer-stalking industry, with so few stags to shoot that many return to their countries emptyhanded.[6]
References
- ^ "UK | Scotland | Highlands and Islands | Agency's new north base unveiled". BBC News. 3 October 2006. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
- ^ "Legislation.gov.uk". Opsi.gov.uk. 3 December 2015. Archived from the original on 7 November 2007. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
- ^ "Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010". Statutelaw.gov.uk. 6 November 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
- ^ The Public Services (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2010 (Commencement No. 1) Order 2010 (SSI 2010/221)
- ^ [1] Archived 28 February 2007 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "News : Scotland". The Times. Retrieved 16 December 2015. (subscription required)
- v
- t
- e
- Accounts Commission for Scotland
- Architecture and Design Scotland
- Bòrd na Gàidhlig
- Cairngorms National Park Authority
- Care Inspectorate
- Children's Hearings Scotland
- Community Justice Scotland
- Creative Scotland
- Crofting Commission
- David MacBrayne Ltd
- Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow) Ltd
- Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd
- Highlands and Islands Enterprise
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Independent Living Fund Scotland
- The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority
- National Galleries Scotland
- National Library of Scotland
- National Museums Scotland
- NatureScot
- Police Investigations and Review Commissioner
- Quality Meat Scotland
- Redress Scotland
- Risk Management Authority
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- Scottish Agricultural Wages Board
- Scottish Canals
- Scottish Children's Reporter Administration
- Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission
- Scottish Enterprise
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency
- Scottish Funding Council
- Scottish Futures Trust
- Scottish Land Commission
- Scottish Legal Aid Board
- Scottish Legal Complaints Commission
- Scottish National Investment Bank
- Scottish Qualifications Authority
- Scottish Rail Holdings
- Scottish Social Services Council
- Skills Development Scotland
- South of Scotland Enterprise
- sportscotland
- VisitScotland
- Water Industry Commission for Scotland