Scotland is launching a pilot scheme to cull urban deer in towns and cities, with the resulting venison being distributed to local charities and food banks. The Central Belt Roe Deer Pilot Scheme, being tested in East Kilbride, involves shooting roe deer early in the morning before residents wake up, with a mobile larder processing the meat for community distribution. The initiative aims to balance deer population control with public sensitivities and food sustainability.

Approximately 200,000 deer are culled annually across Scotland, as they have no natural predators and pose threats to biodiversity and public safety—roe deer are responsible for the most deer-related car crashes in the region. If the East Kilbride pilot succeeds, over 2,000 deer managers could be deployed across Central Belt towns and parks. The scheme aligns with previous successful initiatives, such as venison being introduced to school menus in Argyll and Bute, and has support from government officials and celebrity chef Tom Kitchin, who champions venison as a sustainable, nutrient-dense food source.