Glorious 12th ‘heralds £32m money-spinner’

SCOTLAND’S shooting season could boost the economy by £32million, it was claimed yesterday.

Rural businesses yesterday welcomed the Glorious Twelfth, which signals the beginning of months of grouse shooting across the UK.

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) said that at a time when many are struggling with the cost of living crisis, the income generated this season would greatly benefit rural communities.

An SGA spokesman said: ‘In a good year it brings around £32million annually to the Scottish economy. It accounts for around £15million in household wages in areas where grouse shooting happens. This is happening in what the Scottish Government would classify as “remote rural areas”.

‘So, things like the hiked petrol costs, for example, are felt more keenly in these areas where you need a vehicle to access services.’

Among the first enthusiasts to take to the moors were a shooting party on Seefar Hill at Forneth, near Blairgowrie, Perthshire.

Estate head keeper Craig Brown said: ‘It looks as though this season will give us a real boost. Rural communities and businesses such as hotels, pubs, restaurants and suppliers will all benefit from more people coming to Scotland.’

In 2020, the Scottish Government estimated that driven grouse enterprises generated a job for every 3,583 acres – more than any other moorland use, including conservation and sheep farming.

Tay House, a sporting lodge in Dunkeld, Perthshire, estimates that three local group bookings alone this season will generate £210,000 for the area’s economy.

The grouse season is also a key business stream for rural butchers, such as the family-owned Bruce Brymer in Brechin, Angus. Owner Gavin Brymer said it was ‘second only to Christmas’ in terms of income generated.

But some want to stop the season in its tracks – animal welfare campaign OneKind is calling for a ban on all driven grouse shooting in Scotland.