An appreciation for deer. The biggest land mammal in the UK, and Scotland’s finest beastie. In Gaelic they are called Fiadh Ruadh, and have long been associated with Scottish myth and legend. Traditionally symbolic of strength, the red stag is an emblem recognised worldwide as Scottish. In some myths they are called fairy cattle and are milked by Otherworldy women. The antlers of the stag are compared to tree branches and associated with fertility. Each year, in later spring, the stag’s shed their antlers and regrow a full set during the summer months, symbolizing rebirth and rejuvenation. Once the stag’s antlers are clean (free of velvet) they are ready for the rut and challenges from other stags.
An Appreciation for Deer
October is the month when the red deer rut really gathers momentum. The ancient-sounding roaring stags shout out their challenges in the glens and can be heard across the Highlands. The month name of October in Gaelic is An Dàmhair ‘the deer rut’. Photographers and wildlife lovers have photographed Scotland’s deer throughout the seasons, probably one of the most iconic sights is a mature red deer stag atop a hill surrounded by deep ancient glens steeped in myth and a thing of legends.
