The Association of Deer Management Groups (ADMG) is embarking on a fundraising campaign to secure funds to underwrite the delivery of important development work in Scotland in the wild deer sector.
As an early boost to its campaign, renowned wildlife and sporting artist Ian MacGillivray has donated one of his spectacular oil paintings. The 30” x 44” painting Across the Burn, depicts a highland pony taking a stag off the hill on the Garrogie Estate, Whitebridge. Coincidentally the pony, Victor of Alltnacealleach, won the Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy for stalking ponies when first awarded at the Scottish Game Fair in 2013.
Richard Cooke, ADMG Chairman, said:
“This splendid and evocative painting of a traditional stalking scene, most generously donated by the artist, is offered for sale by sealed offer and the proceeds will go towards the ADMG Project Fund.”
He added:
“Since the Parliamentary review of deer management in 2014, great progress has been made by all 44 Deer Management Groups (DMGs). They have risen remarkably to the new challenge set by the Environment Minister to demonstrate public benefits and have created comprehensive new Deer Management Plans, consulted on these publicly and are now putting them on line through the ADMG portal www.deer-management.co.uk . These Plans will now be put into action and we have a pipeline of projects to assist deer managers on the ground.
“Somewhat frustratingly, several of these projects, including the further development of Wild Deer Best Practice and SWARD, a data processing system for DMGs, have stalled as a result of SNH funding cuts. This new project fund, which seeks private donations from within the industry with a target of £75,000, is intended to plug this gap and enable ADMG to take these projects and other development work forward.
“The deer sector, which contributes £140m to the rural economy in Scotland and supports over 2500 jobs (PACEC Report 2016) has made great strides but we have ambitious plans for supporting future progress and we welcome the contributions received to date and Ian MacGillivray’s magnificent gesture of support in particular.”
Sealed offers for the painting should be submitted by 20th October 2016 to: ADMG Chairman, Dalhousie Estates Office, Brechin DD9 6SG or e: rc@dalhousieestates.co.uk