Scots antler exports to China begin

Farmers hope they have opened up a new market for red deer antlers – in Chinese medicine.

A shipment has begun a 35-day journey from Dumfries and Galloway to the Far East.

It comes after Kirkcudbrightshire deer farmer Rupert Shaw spent a year securing an export licence.

Mr Shaw said: “Although it is early days, the potential demand for Scottish deer antlers in Chinese medicinal products could represent a very valuable market for those who are producing venison.”