Abercairny Estate in Perthshire, part of the Tayside and Central Scotland Moorland Group, is another example of the crucial contribution made by estates to Scotland’s biodiversity and the Scottish economy.

The estate has seven full-time employees, three part-time employees, three full-time contractors, and numerous part-time contractors; this employment continues regardless of whether or not there is any income from grouse shooting. Abercairny has recently won a #helpingithappen award for community engagement, due to its affordable housing projects.

Abercairny enables public access to the moorland, as well as the costly control of bracken through spraying and the reduction of tick and Lyme Disease in humans with a treated sheep flock.

Considerable numbers of both red grouse and black grouse, curlew, golden plovers, lapwing, and various raptors are present on the estate. There are also a great number of wild flowers of every description due to the relatively low stocking levels of sheep.

Grouse shooting, a unique Scottish moorland sport, benefits native biodiversity and supports local businesses such as hotels and restaurants. Visitors come to Scotland for sporting challenges – to play golf, or catch a salmon – why should people not come and enjoy our beautiful countryside and try and shoot a grouse?