Ian’s portraits of stags, hunting scenes and herds of deer in breathtaking landscapes through the seasons, are combined with characterful portraits of the subjects discussing their working lives, recollections, experiences and thoughts on the future of deer stalking in this northernmost part of the British Isles.
The plight of these iconic animals in 2026 is very much in the balance; threatened by shifting political, economic and climate related interests. “I’m disappointed that in Scotland we now treat an animal once regarded as a national icon as little more than vermin” says Gordon Muir, Head Stalker on Jura, in his observations on the pressures now facing this wonderful free-ranging beast.
His is just one of many knowledgeable voices reflecting on everything deer connected in this changing environment, in which expanded forestry interests, seemingly contradictory policies from the Scottish government on sheep farming and deer management, the expansion of wind farms, the fashion for re-wilding and the increased prevalence of wildfires all impact the old order.
This 2026 book, sub-titled, ‘Valuing Tradition. Embracing Change’ follows the original, published in 2022, called ‘Deer People: Twenty-four Working Lives Dedicated to Deer in the Scottish Highlands’. That sold out quickly and illustrated the public’s curiosity and interest in the real stories behind the policy headlines and political movements relating to environmental directives in the highlands, their effect on the deer and their habitat, as well as the communities whose livelihoods and traditions are so inter-connected with the life cycle of Scotland’s most recognised ungulate.
Deer stalking unites a disparate chain of very different individuals, from stalkers, land-owners, foresters, scientists, farmers, pony breeders, game dealers and chefs. Richard Cooke, who provides the prosaic glue binding the project together, says in his introduction, ‘Deer evoke strong opinions and there has been a long history of hostility and criticism between those who see them as an asset and those for whom they represent an environmental threat…’ The combined voices given space to opine in ‘Deer People’ provide a balanced, informed and overall optimistic outlook.
The combination of Ian MacGillivray’s paintings and sketches with such engaging subject matter makes ‘Deer People’ a joy to own and it quickly becomes compulsive reading. The format make is easy to dip in and out for long or short periods of engagement. A perfect book for the sitting room coffee table, it provides an illuminating, fascinating and insightful treatise on a subject matter that should be close to the heart of any true countryman or woman.
Many of the contributors have been involved daily with the deer and the environment since childhood and, now approaching retirement, have the breadth of knowledge and insight to offer truly valuable commentary on the successes and mistakes of past policies and historic shifts in the fortunes of the deer and those whose lives revolve around them. All proceeds from the book go to Association of Deer Management Groups, which funds overseas placements for deer managers early in their careers , giving them the opportunity to travel abroad and study deer management and the effects of different environmental policy in other countries.
‘Deer People’ is now available as a two-volume set, priced £60, or the two books may be purchased singly from Ian MacGillivray’s website: ianmacgillivray.co.uk. With Christmas approaching faster that any of us would like to acknowledge, this is the ideal gift for the thinking country person in your life. The modest cost belies the truly incredible detail that is embodied within the soft cover and printed on quality paper in a well-designed, easy to read format.
Not only is ‘Deer People’ a beautiful gift, it supports a worthy cause and genuinely educates and informs the reader, as it provides an invaluable snapshot of policy, reflection and opinion at this crucial juncture upon which hangs the fate of the highlands and the flora, fauna and human inhabitants which make it the unique and invaluable place it has been for centuries.
