Glorious Twelfth: Grouse shooting season gets under way

The start of the red grouse-shooting season gets under way on Tuesday.

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) marked the Glorious Twelfth by warning that new muirburn licensing rules could “jeopardise” effective moorland management.

From the start of next year, a licence will be required for all muirburn activities in Scotland following the passing of the Wildlife Management & Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024.

The BASC has said that muirburn – the controlled burning of heather – actively enhances biodiversity, promotes fresh plant growth, supports species such as deer and grouse, and reduces wildfire risk by managing dry, combustible vegetation.

But it says the new system is overly-complex and could unintentionally hinder controlled burning.

“This, in turn, risks increasing fuel loads across moorlands and raising the threat of wildfires across Scotland’s moorlands,” it said.

However, the Scottish Greens said there is “nothing glorious about the mass killing of animals for entertainment” as it called on the Scottish Government to ensure all regulations are followed and that “any new loopholes” are identified and closed.

It said the new rules for the “cruel” sport were a step forward, but suggested hunters could find a way to evade them.

The BASC said shooting sustains thousands of jobs across rural Scotland and contributes £340 million in GVA to the Scottish economy – including gamekeeping, hospitality, sporting tourism, and local services.

It said its latest figures showed the recreational value to those involved in grouse shooting was £9.2 million, while the value to the public of managed landscapes is £1.2 million.

A shooting party took place at West Glenalmond Estate, near Crieff, on the first day of the season on Tuesday.

Davie Campbell, head estate gamekeeper, said: “As gamekeepers, the Glorious Twelfth is the day we look forward to all year – it’s when you see the results of everything you’ve done through the seasons.

“Our work isn’t just about grouse, it’s about creating the right conditions for all kinds of wildlife to thrive, from waders and songbirds, to hares and butterflies.

“We’re out in all weathers managing predators, restoring habitat and keeping the moor in top condition.

“Seeing healthy grouse stocks, alongside such a rich mix of other species, is what makes it worthwhile, and it’s something we’re proud to share with visitors who respect and appreciate the land.”

The BASC is urging the Scottish Government to make changes to the 2024 Act to ensure that muirburn licensing does not hinder effective moorland management.

BASC Scotland director Peter Clark said: “The start of the grouse season in Scotland is the culmination of months and years of hard work by gamekeepers and land managers.

“The figures speak for themselves; this is an integral part of the Scottish rural economy.

“Moorland management is an enormous part of protecting and enhancing Scotland’s uplands, delivering both economic and environmental benefits.

“Yet the new muirburn licensing regime, in its current form, hinders moorland managers in their efforts to reduce wildfire risk and provide habitats for grouse.

“We have urged the Scottish Government not to risk these benefits with an overly complicated and unworkable muirburn licensing scheme.”

Scottish Greens Communities spokesperson Ariane Burgess said: “There is nothing glorious about the mass killing of animals for entertainment, but that is what was allowed to take place across our communities for far too long.

“The new protections have been a big step forward in curbing the cruel sport, but there are real concerns about loopholes in the licensing.

“We need to ensure that the system is as robust as possible. That means identifying any gaps in the legislation and ensuring that they are closed as soon as possible and that we do not undermine the intention of the Act that was passed.

“At heart this is a question about what kind of country we want to be.

“The Scottish Greens will always stand against bloodsports and the ritualistic killing of animals that goes with it. It has no place in a modern or compassionate Scotland.”

Ms Burgess said there was a “big opportunity” to invest in greener jobs that boost nature as she described those who worked in shooting estates as “extremely skilled”.

She added: “What we need is for them to be supported to take those skills and use them to work with nature in support of regeneration and restoration of our much degraded biodiversity.”