As some will know I used their larder over a period of about 9 years and have stalked Alladale. I also had a large lease that marched on their boundary. I now have a lease that runs right up to their back door.
There are very very few Roe in the area, we do not shoot Roe on my lease, and I know for a fact that a Roe Deer on Alladale is about as common as one of us picking 6 numbers on the national lottery. I am also aware that the Alladlae team tried to catch some Roe from a forestry block outside of the area. This resulted in one deer taht promptly died of shock
The Alladale dream is just that, money would be far better spent on planting and fencing to encourage tree growth. Instead the number of deer culled has caused issues with their neighbours who are not fenced off from them.
I also find it remarkable that on none of these programmes do they mention the eradication policy they have on Jap Sika. Lister wants them all wiped off the face of Scotland, and then re introduce Elk, Boar, Wolves, Bison
What a pity Alladale was a model sporting estate, it is now a shadow of what it was. Even the old Alladale staff, some of whom still work there, are now not allowed to stay or live on the estate. And as for employing local people, and creating new jobs, very little chance of that either. I have seen no change since the new owners took over, and its a closed shop. Funny also they do not tell poeple that they are still asking for people to take stalking on there, at around £20,000 a week
