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Following a terrible two years due to the epidemic, Scotland’s rural economy is ‘back in business’ with the beginning of the annual grouse shooting season.
The importance of the traditional opening date of the season, entitled Glorious 12th, should ‘not be underestimated’ this year, according to gamekeepers at estates throughout Scotland, as many lodges and local businesses welcome both locals and foreign guests.
According to Ross Ewing, moorland director at Scottish Land & Estates, August 12 represents a “essential extension” of the tourist season.
‘Rural companies need commerce now more than ever, and the return of overseas tourists to Scotland’s famed moorlands is a crucial lifeline that will help them weather what is expected to be a harsh winter,’ he added.
‘The importance of the Glorious 12th this year cannot be overstated.
‘Research has shown that grouse shooting regularly produces greater levels of local and regional expenditure than other similar land uses, making it a critical cornerstone of the rural economy that maintains more employment per hectare than other industries,’ says the USDA.
‘Improved grouse numbers and a pent-up demand for grouse shooting from overseas tourists mean that this year is going to be a good one – not only for those shooting, but for the rural workers and companies supported by one of Scotland’s leading rural industries,’ says the report.
Following the outbreak, gamekeepers said they are looking forward to receiving foreign visitors again.
Craig Brown, head keeper at Forneth Farm in Perthshire, believes the season will provide a “significant boost” to the local economy.
‘More people travelling to Scotland would support rural areas and companies like as hotels, pubs, restaurants, and suppliers,’ he added.
Most estates will be finalizing their shoot schedules for the season, with many group reservations being booked. Uncertainty caused by travel restrictions and terrible weather conditions had an effect last year, and we’re glad to see things improving.’
Chloe Forbes, 27, of Perthshire, was among the first shooters on See Far Hill at Forneth Farm.
‘We’re all so happy to be back on the hill this year, and we know how much it means to so many people in rural areas,’ she added.
Shooting groups also visited the North Yorkshire Moors near Whitby, where gundog trainers and their dogs were put through their paces while pointing and recovering grouse.
‘It’s a big lift for everyone in the region to see a regular shooting season get underway,’ said head keeper Mark Taylor. It means a lot to folks from all walks of life in rural America. This year, it will welcome shooting groups from both home and abroad, including a party of 16 Americans.
This season, three local group reservations alone are expected to produce more than £210,000 for the Dunkeld economy.
‘Our business is structured on the fishing and tourist trade over the spring and summer months, which is then dovetailed with the grouse and pheasant season throughout the fall and winter months,’ said Tay House owner Mike Smith.
‘We rely on rural tourism, particularly the country sports industry, during the off-season from September to December; without it, we would be unable to exist as a company.’
‘The hunting season is critical to many rural businesses and settlements, including Dunkeld. It promotes a rural lifestyle and fosters a real sense of community.’