Damper on Scotlands Glorious Twelfth

11 August 1998

Damper on Scotland’s Glorious Twelfth

THE weather is making a poor start to the grouse-shooting season – which begins tomorrow – inevitable. Wet conditions have already wiped out thousands of young birds.

The strength of the Pound is also playing a part in dampening spirits. The Scottish Landowners Federation said the combination of the two factors would guarantee a poor season.

“The only estates that might manage a reasonable season are on high ground in the Highlands, where the situation is slightly better.”

In 1989 the season generated almost £10 million and supported about 2300 jobs. By 1994 the income had dropped to £8m and the number of jobs had almost halved.

This years season is expected to bring in £3m and provide fewer than a 1000 jobs.

• The Times 11/08/98 page 8
• Financial Times 11/08/98 page 9
• The Daily Telegraph 11/08/98 page 9