A survey of 23 Scottish grouse estates found that each brought in almost £400,000 worth of trade for local companies during and after lockdown.
The survey also found that, despite average income losses of £73,000, only one junior gamekeeper was placed on the Government’s furlough scheme. The survey identified more than 1,300 businesses that gained work from the estates during lockdown — an average of 57 companies per estate.
“The survey was an opportunity, following a very different grouse season, to get some indication of the financial effects COVID-19 has had,” said Lianne MacLennan of Scotland’s Regional Moorland Groups. “The total losses, from cancelled shoot days, visitor accommodation and things like game sales amounted to £1.67million across the 23 respondents. That is not an insignificant dent.
“The key message, though,…