Despite the on-going recession, the demand for grouse shooting is generally buoyant, according to CKD Galbraith’s sporting lets department.

Commenting on the eve of the Glorious 12th, Roberth Rattray, partner and head of the firm’s sporting department, said: “The general opinion is that despite one of the hardest winters in recent decades, some parts of Scotland are going to have better grouse numbers this year. The Angus glens believe they are going to have a successful season this year, with Glenogil looking forward to improving on what was an impressive year last year. Some estates in Aberdeenshire and Perthshire are quietly confident that they will have better grouse numbers this year.”

However, he warned that the economic downturn has had an impact on bookings on some estates, particularly those with high ground beats which have had to amend shooting programmes following disappointing counts, largely due to the harsh winter which saw snowdrifts of up to 90 feet in places.

“Expect to pay in the region of £140 per brace for driven grouse, with parties expecting to shoot upwards of 50 brace in a day. Walked up grouse shooting remains ever popular and, with average bags of a more modest five-30 brace at £100 per brace, make it more affordable,” said Mr Rattray.