Grouse season hit by weather extremes

Exceptional weather conditions are expected to hit the grouse shooting season, leaving a hit to rural economies, campaigners have said.

Severe late snow after March followed by extremely dry and hot conditions between May and July are believed to have reduced the number of the game birds successfully breeding.

Many estates are delaying the start of the season and there have been widespread cancellations of shooting programmes, according to the Gift of Grouse campaign.

Two areas which rely heavily on income from the sport are the Lammermuirs and the Angus Glens.

Helen Savage, co-ordinator of the Lammermuirs Moorland Group, said: “For young people in this area, shoot days can be a first introduction to the workplace.

“It is the chance to earn a bit of extra money over the season, develop team skills and confidence, and meet a wide array of people from all backgrounds.

“It will be disappointing not to see the same volume of visitors this year, however people have to think about future grouse stocks and sustainability.”

The grouse season in Scotland is estimated to be worth £32 million each year.