A FULL day course on farmed deer health and handling is to take place at Cassafuir Fam, Blair Hoyle, Port of Menteith, Stirlingshire, on Saturday March 2, courtesy of Jamie and Natalie Hammond.

The course is being run jointly by the British Deer Farms and Parks Association and the Venison Advisory Service, and led by BDFPA council member Alan Sneddon and a Director of VAS and Lockerbie vet Gareth Boyes of Millbank Venison.

Mr Sneddon said: "This course aims to deliver an overview into the health and welfare of farmed deer and discuss the most up to date veterinary techniques and disease preventative measures available to the farmed deer industry. It will also offer an opportunity for a hands on practical deer handling experience with red deer and demonstrate how farm layout and deer yard design can minimise stress and risk for both animals and handlers alike."

This is the first time such a comprehensive course for deer farmers will have run in Scotland. It is limited to 12 attendees – and costs £200 for BDFPA members and £250 for non-members. Places can be booked directly with BDFPA on www.bdfpa.org/training-courses