Meet the Creatures | Our English Language Learning Experience
One of the more unusual English language learning experiences we offer on our English conversation holidays is a red deer feed at Clathic Farm (in between Crieff and Comrie).
I say unusual because I am willing to bet that most English language school holidays don’t offer this, but in fact, for our region, it really wouldn’t raise any eyebrows.
Perthshire is famous for its food and drink produce.
It’s known as Scotland’s larder.
At Blue Noun, we have many strong partnerships with local producers.
We love showing off the food and produce in Perthshire: sharing it with you and taking you to visit its source as part of our Meet the Makers English Immersion Activities.
Meet the Makers | Crieff Food Company
We also always make sure that you visit the Crieff Food Company – our local high street shop which stocks and celebrates local and regional produce.
It has a superb cheese counter and butcher and a huge range of local and specialist products.
The butcher stocks Clathic Farm venison – no real surprise because Jamie & Miranda, who are the farm owners, also own this shop.
(Jamie & Miranda also offer Blue Noun English language guests accommodation as Homestay Hosts.
Monarchs of the Glen | A Scottish Wildlife Encounter
We think it is superb that you can follow the process of the meat from field to table.
The red deer on Clathic Farm are raised organically, with no human & medical intervention until it is their time to die.
They are culled in the field (so obviously avoiding the horror of transportation and abattoir).
If you choose to eat meat, Scottish venison is one of the most ethical and environmentally friendly choices you can make by quite a long shot.
Although they live a very wild life, during winter months the red deers’ diet is supplemented with grain. It is this feed that Clathic Farm is inviting Blue Noun English language guests to witness.
The red deer (around 200) come down from the hills to feed (the estate is so big that otherwise, you need an off-road vehicle to get around it to have a chance of seeing them otherwise).
It’s a rare chance to get close to one of Scotland’s most famous creatures – the stunning red deer referred to often in Victorian art and culture as the ‘Monarch of the Glen‘.
When your experience is memorable,
Your English is memorable.
Discover Crieff with its ‘favourite son’ Ewan McGregor
Scottish Farm Life | English Immersion Activity
They were being exceptionally timid.
They truly are almost wild – which, if you are a meat eater, is the best environment for farm animals.
Finding out about the farm and its deer herd is a great taste of Scotland – and an unusual one.
It’s a great way to practice English conversation, while discovering our landscape and economy.
Red Deer Feed | English Immersion Activity Checklist
Compare how this English immersion activity simultaneously helps your English and our community:
⭕ Benefits LOCAL communities.
⭕ Preserves craft skills, historic machinery, monuments etc.
✅ Supports Scottish industry/agriculture
✅ Gets you talking with a rich and diverse selection of people.
⭕ Supports arts & artists
✅ Unites people with nature in non-invasive ways.
✅ Financially contributes to preserving culture (the Crieff Food Co. does this1).
Scottish Farm Life | English Immersion Activity
They were being exceptionally timid.
They truly are almost wild – which, if you are a meat eater, is the best environment for farm animals.
Finding out about the farm and its deer herd is a great taste of Scotland – and an unusual one.
It’s a great way to practice English conversation, while discovering our landscape and economy.
Choose Deep Travel and Ethical, Local Foods & Produce
At Blue Noun, we know that today’s travellers crave more than just scenic views—they seek meaningful and memorable connections with place, people, and the food they eat.
This kind of deep travel is about slowing down and engaging with the world in a more mindful, ethical way.
Sharing a simple meal made from local produce, like the home-cooked soup served after our deer encounter, becomes part of the landscape itself—a way of tasting the care and knowledge of the people who live here.
It’s food that tells a story, rooted in seasonality and sustainability.
You don’t want to just pass through a place, but to connect with it, including being part of its landscape, language and culture.
Price per person
per week, 2026
Discover How We Share Scotland
10 Reasons to Taste Scottish Venison
Lower Carbon Footprint:
Farmed venison produces approximately 70% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than beef (source: UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board).
Efficient Land Use:
Deer farming requires up to 50% less land than cattle farming for the same amount of meat production, making it more sustainable (source: Deer Industry New Zealand).
Minimal Antibiotic Use:
Farmed venison is typically raised without routine antibiotics, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance (source: British Deer Farms & Parks Association)
Low Fat, High Protein:
Venison is a lean meat with 50% less fat than beef and lamb, offering a healthy alternative with a strong nutritional profile (source: USDA National Nutrient Database).
Natural Diet:
Deer are typically raised on grass-based diets and not grain-fed, supporting animal welfare and reducing reliance on imported feed (source: Quality Meat Scotland).
On-Site Slaughter:
Many UK deer farms, including Clathic Farm, use on-site or low-stress mobile slaughter methods, avoiding live animal transport and significantly reducing animal distress (source: Scottish Venison Partnership)
Free-Range Conditions:
Farmed deer are often kept in low-density, free-range systems, allowing natural behaviours and higher welfare standards (source: Soil Association).
No Growth Hormones:
Farmed venison is produced without artificial growth hormones, aligning with ethical and health-conscious food standards (source: UK Food Standards Agency).
Biodiversity Benefits:
Deer farms can be managed in a way that supports woodland regeneration and biodiversity, particularly when integrated with conservation land (source: Woodland Trust).
High Animal Welfare Standards:
The UK’s deer farming industry is regulated by strict welfare codes, often exceeding legal minimums for livestock care (source: British Deer Society).
How Can Meeting the Makers Help Your English?
On our English immersion holidays take you deep into Scottish culture to practise real conversation in real contexts.
Whether we’re watching red deer in the wild or enjoying a meal made with local venison, we use these experiences to spark meaningful discussions.
For example, the ten points above can be used to explore topics such as ethical farming, land use, and animal welfare, giving you the vocabulary and confidence to express your opinions, agree or disagree, and practice asking thoughtful questions.
They could be used as a sample presentation using linking language like furthermore, however.
This is the kind of real, memorable and authentic language practice that not only improves your English, but confirms your identity as an English speaker.
10 Reasons to Taste Scottish Venison
Sample of using Scottish venison farming to practice linking language for presentations.
Today I’m going to talk about why farmed venison is considered an ethical and sustainable meat option.
Firstly, farmed venison has a much lower environmental impact than beef. In fact, it produces around 70% fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Furthermore, it requires up to 50% less land than cattle farming, making it a more efficient use of resources.
In addition, deer are typically raised on a natural, grass-based diet without routine antibiotics, which helps prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Venison is also a healthy option. Compared to beef and lamb, it contains about 50% less fat while still being rich in protein and iron.
Importantly, many deer farms now use on-site or mobile slaughter units. This reduces stress for the animals and ensures higher welfare standards at the end of life.
Moreover, deer are usually kept in low-density, free-range environments. This allows them to express natural behaviours, which contributes to their overall wellbeing.
Unlike some types of industrial meat, venison is produced without artificial growth hormones.
Another key point is that deer farming can support biodiversity. When well managed, deer farms help with woodland regeneration and support local wildlife.
Finally, the UK deer farming industry follows strict animal welfare regulations—often going beyond legal requirements.
To conclude, farmed venison offers a compelling alternative to conventional meat, combining low environmental impact, high animal welfare, and health benefits.
However, it is still important to research where your venison comes from and choose farms that prioritise ethical practices.
Let’s Talk!
I’d love to answer your questions about our English coaching holidays in Scotland.
You’ll get to see our hub – and tell me (Ruth) 3 things you’d like to see/do in Scotland.
Testimonials
British Council
The British Council listed our speciality Real-World English in its Top 2024 Language Teaching Innovations.
Friendly community
Perthshire was voted the Friendliest Region on Earth by Booking*com.
What more perfect combination could you need for an English conversation holiday?
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