SR Agri Fencing, based in Lumphanan, Aberdeenshire, provides all aspects of fencing, ground preparation, drainage, cattle and sheep handling systems, water trough installation and related services.

The founder of the business Shane Robertson said: “I have two full-time members of staff and I also employ six contractors on a part-time basis. For the past three and a half years all of our business has come through sporting estates. We are just one example of a rural business that relies on the sporting shooting sector.

“Without the season, the estates would be worse off and their expenditure to local suppliers would be cut right back. In rural areas the estates are hugely important to the economy. Politicians have not considered how many jobs will be lost if the sporting estates don’t survive. Rewilding Scotland will not create the level of jobs we have now from country sports.”