This partnership project will ensure current and future generations will benefit from community management of venison in the island.
Estimated Price
133595
This partnership between Raasay Development Trust (RDT) and Raasay Crofters Association (RCA) will support the continued protection of Raasay's unique biodiversity, ensure animal welfare through careful stock management, provide a bigger range of high quality venison products for locals and visitors, reduce our carbon footprint through bringing the whole venison process cycle within Raasay, ensure the skills and heritage of stalking and venison butchery are passed on for future generations, and educate young folk through partnering with Raasay school and nursery on a 'Hill to Plate' project- linking their meals to learning about the whole life cycle.
We will do this through upgrading & converting the former East Suisinish Ferry Pier Store, which RCA purchased from Highland Council in 2021, into a venison processing plant. We will combine this with further butchery & processing courses for community members (some have already undertaken sausage making & butchery courses), pass on skills to younger folk including through courses and deer stalking and shooting experiences and partnership work with other community groups including community lunch club and Raasay Primary School & Nursery. We are exploring more formal education opportunities.
We have quotes and planning permission in place. RCA have funded £21,697 to date, and we have secured £10k of funding. We are currently updating our Business Plan & are applying for other funds (through RDT support), & have recently submitted an Expression of Interest to Highlands & Islands Environmental Foundation; outcome expected March 2026. Works will begin as soon as all funding is in place.
The project fits with Raasay Carbon Neutral Islands (CNI) Climate Action Priorities, and with Raasay Development Trust's 5 Year Plan. RCA carried out engagement with the community before the purchase of the building and received widespread support for the project. A Woodland Ecologist Report commissioned by CNI Raasay identified the two biggest threats to biodiversity in Raasay as invasive species and over-grazing- CNI have reduced invasive species in Raasay by 50% to date; this project will ensure the prevention of over-grazing. Previous mis-management by private owners in Raasay when it was run as a sporting estate, saw the devastation caused by over-grazing.
The project fits with the following priorities within the Skye & Raasay Place Plan: Climate Action, Strengthening Communities, Diverse & Green Economy, Organising Ourselves.
Expected outcomes:
Ensure Raasay's biodiversity continues to thrive and improve, through ensuring deer stock management
Pass on deer stalking, shooting and butchery skills to the next generation, in support of the above
Provide healthy affordable protein in more cook ready formats to locals and visitors
Support local community events e.g. community lunches, with venison
Educate local children on the whole life cycle of venison from 'Hill to Plate', building venison into school work & lunches as part of this
.png)
