Sector braced for the impact of not-so-glorious grouse season

Various factors to be a ‘very significant’ hit to the industry

Scotland’s grouse sector is bracing itself for the full impact of a weather-hit year to emerge as the final shots are fired in a difficult season.

Experts have warned of a “very significant” hit to the industry due to widespread cancellations of shooting programmes and the knock-on reduction in trade with businesses.

Sporting interests have also found themselves under increasing pressure from environmental campaign groups, but remain bullish about the future and say the challenging season has not dampened enthusiasm for vital conservation work on Scotland’s grouse moorlands.

Fears had been raised before the traditional Glorious Twelfth season opening in August that the long, cold winter, followed by one of the warmest, driest summers on record could combine to have a devastating effect on grouse numbers.

The Gift of Grouse campaign said ongoing conservation work including predator control and habitat management is producing positive results for rare upland species despite the fall in this year’s estate income.

Tim Baynes, director of the Scottish Moorland Group, said: “Estate owners have taken two major steps which are now having a noticeable effect on our biodiversity.

“Over the long term they have invested considerable sums to manage habitats of benefit to ground-nesting birds and other wildlife.

“Secondly, there is increasing collaboration between estates, NGOs and public sector organisations.”

Robert Rattray, head of Galbraith Sporting Lets, said: “Scottish estates have had to cope with a poor grouse season whilst simultaneously facing a major government review into driven grouse shooting.”

Picture: Getty Images.