PUPILS AT Inveraray Primary School are getting a taste of Argyll’s finest local produce — with wild venison now on the menu.
The move follows the success of a pioneering Argyll and Bute Council initiative that first introduced wild venison to school meals on Islay and Jura last year — believed to be a UK first.
After proving popular with pupils, the scheme has now been rolled out to Inveraray.
The venison is sourced from Argyll Estates and processed locally by husband-and-wife team Tom and Katie Kirsop at Argyll Game Ltd, ensuring the meat is both sustainably sourced and truly local.
Crucially, pupils themselves helped shape the menu. Through taste- testing sessions, children were invited to sample different dishes and vote for their favourites, with venison burgers and venison bolognese topping the list.
Venison is naturally high in protein and low in saturated fat, making it a healthy addition to school meals. The council says the initiative supports its wider commitment to climate- friendly food, reduced food miles and supporting local rural businesses.
By bringing locally sourced wild game into school kitchens, the scheme is not only improving nutrition but also helping children connect with the food, land and produce of Argyll and Bute — right from the classroom to the plate.
Councillor Ross Moreland, Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Finance and Commercial Services, said: “We’re delighted to introduce wild venison to Inveraray Primary School. This is about making the most of high-quality local produce while teaching pupils about sustainability and healthy eating. The success of the pilot on Jura and Islay showed us what a positive impact this can have, and we’re thrilled to see it expand to the mainland.”
Tom Kirsop from Argyll Game Ltd, has been working with pupils at Inveraray on a number of outdoor learning initiatives, including making and positioning bird boxes throughout the estate so they can monitor and identify the species. The children have also been out with Tom on the hillsides, learning in a natural environment where some of their food comes from.
Tom said: “Having had the opportunity to help the children of Inveraray Primary with their outdoor school programme I am delighted that they have venison on the menu. The pupils visited our processing facility where they helped to produce burgers and sausages which they all loved and went home with some to try. It was really encouraging to see how interested and engaged the children were in the process from hill to plate.
“It is wonderful the children are getting the opportunity to eat sustainably harvested wild free-range venison from the local area with almost zero food miles. Red deer venison is a highly nutritious, lean red meat, packed with protein, iron, zinc, and far less saturated fat than other protein sources. All in all, a great choice for healthy hearty meals.”
The Council with Food for Life Scotland to develop recipes that meet Scottish Nutritional Requirements for Food and Drink in Schools and the Food for Life Served Here standards.
Looking ahead, the Council will continue to monitor the project and explore opportunities to expand this initiative to more schools across Argyll and Bute.
