From being introduced to stalking by her husband Andrew to building a career around venison, food provenance and responsible deer management, Lauren Houstoun has developed a unique voice within Scotland’s rural and country life community.
Based at Glenkilrie in Glenshee, Lauren runs the Glenkilrie Larder Cook School from the family farmhouse, teaching visitors about the journey from field to plate and the benefits of locally sourced venison. Her passion also extends to educating the next generation, with the family donating a tonne of venison to Scottish schools each year.
Following her success at the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Awards 2026, we caught up with Lauren as part of our series with this year’s winners. We have asked each of our winners a series of questions about their journey, their work and their contribution to Scotland’s country sports tourism sector, with each interview being released over the coming weeks.
For Lauren, much of that work centres around red deer, venison and helping more people understand the connection between responsible deer management, healthy habitats and locally sourced food.
What first drew you to country sports, and how did that develop into sharing your experiences with a wider audience?
When I met my husband, Andrew, a keen stalker, he introduced me to the world of country sports. I now regularly enjoy stalking with him, and since 2019, we have been direct marketing venison from our estate in Glenshee. Since having our three children, Andrew and I have become increasingly passionate about them understanding where their food comes from, how it is sourced, and the benefits it can have as part of a healthy diet. That passion has since developed into a career, with me now running the Glenkilrie Larder Cook School from our farmhouse kitchen. The cook school is designed to teach visitors about the provenance of our meat, as well as how to prepare and cook different cuts of venison, beef and lamb. Since moving to Glenshee, I have also witnessed a real shift in the way many passionate landowners manage their estates, with a strong focus on traditional practices and responsible land management. I have seen first-hand the positive impact this can have, not only on the landscape and wildlife, but also on the wider local community.
What do you hope someone who is completely new to country sports takes away from following your content?
I hope that those who follow my content come to appreciate the value that country sports bring to our communities, our economy and the wider population, while also feeling inspired to try something a little different and discover the benefits of game meat. I most enjoy showcasing anything to do with red deer, and venison.
Is there a particular post, video or experience that stands out as a favourite, or one that made you realise the impact your content can have?
In 2025, I wrote a poem for the Glorious 12th, titled Care of Glenshee, highlighting the important role that those who manage the land play in keeping our area thriving. I was incredibly proud that the poem went on to be read in Parliament, helping to shine a light on the vital contribution of land management and country life in our communities.
What would you like to achieve next with your platform, and how do you see your role in promoting the future of country sports?
We also donate a tonne of venison to Scottish schools each year, alongside running demonstrations in schools. My aim is to promote the benefits of venison to as wide an audience as possible, encouraging more people to include it as a staple part of their diet. I also want to highlight the important role that responsible deer management plays in maintaining healthy deer populations, protecting Scotland’s natural habitats and making the most of a sustainable, locally sourced food.
