‘ There is a lot of tension’: Villagers say feelings are running high as opinion splits on the risks of roaming deer
Reiki therapist Debbie O’hara believes any cull would be “outrageous” and says she will fight to stop it.
She said a deer fence around the village could be restored, signs put up warning people not to feed the deer, and play parks could be better fenced to keep the animals out.
She said: “If you choose to live in a rural area, you are choosing to live in an environment
that’s surrounded by beautiful nature, which includes wildlife. They shouldn’t be culling in the village. I have not met anyone since this started who has ever heard of a residential community having guns on their streets to kill deer.”
Other residents are emphatic that they want action. Morgan Malcolm, who runs the village coffee and sandwich shop, said: “I’ve been out walking the dogs, myself and my partner, and we’ve been chased by the deer, just when we were walking in the street.
I also had an incident with a stag where it chased me and my dog, which was terrifying. I am very much for the cull to try to bring down numbers. It will help with the risk to the public.”
She added: “The atmosphere is pretty difficult. There’s a lot of tension. People are getting a hard time from those against the cull.”
Jahama Estates owns the surrounding land and said: “We will continue to work closely with relevant agencies and the local community to ensure public safety in Kinlochleven remains paramount.
“Appropriate licences were issued for the deer culled.”
Police Scotland said: “A pre-planned deer cull by authorised firearms holders was undertaken in the Kinlochleven area, in January of this year.
“Following a complaint, a 37-year-old man has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with offences under the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996.”