Is driven grouse shooting really good for rural economies in Scotland?

Even if you care nothing for grouse shooting and don’t live on or near a grouse moor you are still affected by them – not least because of the public subsidies they receive.

Over ten per cent of Scotland is managed for grouse shooting and the most intensive element of that, driven grouse shooting, has been implicated in the loss of wildlife, the illegal persecution of predators especially birds of prey and the despoliation of landscape through the creation of bulldozed tracks principally to transport shooting clients.

Leeds University’s EMBER report showed that muirburn, the rotational burning of heather to provide red grouse with optimal habitat, lowers water quality in streams flowing through grouse moors and may exacerbate flooding by reducing peat soil’s ability to hold water. It almost certainly does no favours for freshwater angling.

As well as pointing out that a few species of waders can do well on grouse moors, their regular defence in the face of controversy is that they create rural jobs. As they require employees, they certainly do, but are they driving away other forms of employment in the hills that would create more employment and make them a better place for wildlife, residents and visitors?

No country in the world outside of the UK has driven grouse moors, not one, in spite of the fact the near identical willow grouse is distributed across northern Europe, Asia and America.

That should be very telling, especially as some such as Norway appear to have considerably healthier rural communities than we do. Lots of questions need answering.

There is a desperate need for a comprehensive, independent economic study of driven grouse shooting in Scotland to see whether or not it is actually helping rural communities. At present there is none which is a national disgrace.

That’s why I have drafted a petition to ask the Scottish government to commission one.

A valid study would be politically neutral and quantify all relevant issues including possible contribution to or alleviation of flooding, use of public subsidies, alternatives in the form of eco tourism etc. A proper economic assessment should have been carried out years ago, we need one now.

For all our sakes can you please sign - http://www.parliament.scot/gettinginvolved/Petitions/pe01663

LES WALLACE Alyth Drive, Polmont, Falkirk