PEEBLES Outdoor Film Festival will get under way this month.

And the issue of how to manage Scotland’s vast population of red deer will take centre stage on the opening night (August 13), with a screening of multi-award-winning film The Cull: Scotland’s Deer Dilemma.

Directed by Ted Simpson – who will appear live on stage for a Q&A following the screening – The Cull explores how best to manage a species that, while an integral part of the country’s natural world, is present in such high numbers that it has a massive impact on the landscape of the Highlands.

Deer are culled each year in an attempt to manage and maintain the landscape and ecosystems that they are a central part of.

But a debate has long raged regarding the size, nature and purpose of the cull.

This documentary explores that debate and asks how deer fit within the wider conversation around ‘rewilding’.

Filmed on location throughout the Highlands, The Cull has scooped Best Mountain Environment and Natural History Film at this year’s Banff Mountain Film Festival – the most prestigious event of its kind in the world.

Mr Simpson said: “Talking to people from all over the Highlands and on all sides of the debate, the film presents the issues as seen by real people on the ground.

“Ultimately, we want this film to pose questions to the audience – and challenge them to think deeper when we look at ourselves and how we interact with, care for and perceive our wild spaces.”

The Cull also scooped the award for Best Environmental Film at last year’s Kendal Mountain Festival, with the festival jury commenting: “This is an incredibly important documentary.

“The (re) wilding debate is hugely charged and pitches the metropolitan resident vs. the rural.

“This documentary balances views.

“It doesn’t preach but allows the viewer to engage more thoroughly with the debate. For anyone involved in the outdoors this is essential viewing.”

Ted Simpson will introduce his film, and take questions after, when The Cull screens as part of the 2021 Peebles Outdoor Film Festival at the Eastgate Theatre, 7.30pm on Friday, August 13.

For tickets, and the full festival programme, visit eastgatearts.com