Warning of late start to shooting

Counts to establish grouse numbers are under way on sporting estates iahead of the Glorious Twelfth.

Gamekeepers are advising agents there could be a later start for commercial shooting in some places. Moorland estates across Scotland are gearing up for the start of the shooting season on August 12 and are trying to gain an accurate measure of supply for the season ahead.

The Gift of Grouse campaign has launched a new video about the sustainable management efforts by gamekeepers.

A long winter and a wet summer mean grouse breeding conditions have been less favourable on many local estates.

However, thanks to careful habitat management, gamekeepers are quietly optimistic for a good season ahead.

Grouse counting helps letting agents design a programme of activity for parties booking shoots.

Robert Rattray, head of Sporting Lets, said:“We are now hearing of a few moors adjusting their programmes for a later start, possibly the result of the end of April snow leading to reliance on second broods, but in general we are optimistic for a good season ahead.

“Grouse shooting in Scotland attracts interest from all over the world. We are seeing a growing interest from markets such as China and India.

“Bookings from within the UK are steady. We tend to handle an influx of bookings later in the season from the domestic market, who can take advantage of late availability.”