Wild geese meat to go on sale in Scotland for first time

Meat from wild geese shot in Orkney will go on sale for the first time

Islanders have been able to legally cull a set number of greylag geese since 2012 after the birds’ booming population damaged farmers’ crops.

In the first couple of years of the project the dead birds were sent to landfill but since then the meat has been licensed for sale on Orkney, with products on offer including goose burgers.

Now, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has announced a trial project to sell the meat across Scotland. Sales will be licensed from 1 August to 31 October.

Claudia Rowse, SNH’s head of natural resource management said: “We are delighted to announce Scotland-wide sales of resident greylag goose meat for a short trial period.

“Now, licensed sellers from Orkney will have a chance to develop the market for their product and people can try goose for themselves on Orkney and across Scotland.”

She added: “Wild geese are an important part of Scotland’s nature but their rapid rise in numbers has been challenging for farmers and crofters.

“Striking the balance between conservation, farming and hunting can be difficult.”