Saturday 13 August 2022 02:10 AM Glorious 12th returns with a bang: Shooting parties hit heather-clad moorlands trends now
Scotland's rural economy is 'back in business' with the return of the annual grouse shooting season following a difficult two years due to the pandemic.
Gamekeepers at estates across Scotland said the significance of the traditional start date of the season, nicknamed Glorious 12th, should 'not be understated' this year as many lodges and local businesses welcome locals and international tourists alike.
Ross Ewing, moorland director at Scottish Land and Estates, said August 12 marks a 'vital extension' to the tourism season.
'Rural businesses need trade now more than ever, and the return of international visitors to Scotland's iconic moorlands is an important lifeline that will enable many to weather what is set to be a difficult winter,' he said.
Gamekeepers at estates across Scotland said the significance of the traditional start date of the season, nicknamed Glorious 12th, should 'not be understated' this year as many lodges and local businesses welcome locals and international tourists alike. Pictured: Archie Skinner and head keeper Craig Brown join a shooting party on See Far Hill
Head keeper Craig Brown Chloe Forbes and Becky King join a shooting party on See Far Hill on the first day of the grouse season on August 12
Ross Ewing, moorland director at Scottish Land and Estates, said August 12 marks a 'vital extension' to the tourism season. Pictured: Archie King joins members of a shooting party on See Far Hill
'Rural businesses need trade now more than ever, and the return of international visitors to Scotland's iconic moorlands is an important lifeline that will enable many to weather what is set to be a difficult winter,' he said. Pictured: The shooting party on See Far Hill
He added: 'Research has shown that grouse shooting consistently generates higher levels of local and regional spending than other comparable land uses, making it a vital cornerstone of the rural economy that sustains more jobs per hectare than other sectors'
Pictured: A member of the shooting party on See Far Hill on the first day of the grouse season today. Mr Ewing said: 'Improved grouse numbers and a pent-up hunger for grouse shooting from international visitors means that this year is set to be a good one - not just for those shooting, but for those rural workers and businesses that are supported by one of Scotland's foremost rural sectors.'
Gamekeepers say they are looking forward to welcoming international tourists again following the pandemic. Pictured: Becky King joins members of a shooting party on See Far Hill
Members of a shooting party are seen on See Far Hill during the first day of the grouse season on August 12 in Dunkeld, Scotland
Head keeper at Forneth Farm in Perthshire, Craig Brown, said the season will give the local economy 'a real boost'
'The significance of the Glorious 12th this year should not be understated.
'Research has shown that grouse shooting consistently generates higher levels of local and regional spending than other comparable land uses, making it a vital cornerstone of the rural economy that sustains more jobs per hectare than other sectors.
'Improved grouse numbers and a pent-up hunger for grouse shooting from international visitors means that this year is set to be a good one - not just for those shooting, but for those rural workers and businesses that are supported by one of Scotland's foremost rural sectors.'
Gamekeepers say they are looking forward to welcoming international tourists again following the pandemic.
Head keeper at Forneth Farm in Perthshire, Craig Brown, said the season will give the local economy 'a real boost'.
He said: 'Rural communities and businesses such as hotels, pubs, restaurants and suppliers will all benefit from more people coming to Scotland.
He said: 'Rural communities and businesses such as hotels, pubs, restaurants and suppliers will all benefit from more people coming to Scotland.' Pictured: Chloe Forbes and Becky King join members of a shooting on See Far Hill
Shooters stroll through fields with their dogs while they enjoy the first day of grouse season on See Far
