Game and country sports sector urged to take sustainable stance

The game sector and country sports not only add around £50 million of additional value to rural areas but also support around 4,400 full time equivalent jobs, making a substantial contribution to the rural economy.

However, speaking at the Highland game fair at Moy, Scotland’s rural economy secretary, Fergus Ewing, also stressed that, as industries responsible for large areas of the countryside, those involved also had a significant role to play in working with others to support sustainable envi- ronmental management. “The rural economy is dependent on sustainable land management by responsible land owners and managers, in a way that ensures that the quality and variety of stock remains high, costs remain low, and the right balance is struck between conservation and rural access,” said Ewing.

While he said that most people and businesses involved in Scotland’s country sports industry were playing their part in this and contributing to the rural economy he added:

“Ultimately it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that our natural assets are protected and enhanced.”

The game sector has announced a new initiative to extend the country’s taste for grouse beyond the “Glorious 12th”.

The newly launched British Game Alliance will take on the role of marketing board to encourage more grouse onto the country’s dinner tables.

“For many years the Glorious 12th has heralded the race for fresh grouse shot on our moors to be rushed to the finest restaurants,” said the alliance’s managing director, Thomas Adams, “but there are new initiatives to bring grouse to local farm shops.”