Grouse shooting is at the heart of a £6.6m annual boost to the rural economy of the Angus Glens, according to a landmark report published by the Angus Glens Moorland Group and Scottish Land & Estates (SLE).
The study - the first comprehensive evaluation of the economic, environmental and social impacts of moorland management in the glens - covers seven estates spanning 54,715 hectares during 2025.
There were 84 days of grouse shooting across the estates last season, with an average of 54 seasonal employees required per shoot day, per estate - underlining the sector’s importance to seasonal work. In all, the estates provided 86 full-time and 768 seasonal jobs, along with 68 homes for rural workers.
Of the £6.6m spent by the estates, £3.66m went on employment costs and £2.94m on contractors, goods and services - with 82.5% of the latter spent with local businesses.
Steve Mitchell, of Maryton Garage near Kirriemuir, said: “The estates here are fantastic for the area - loads of local businesses benefit. We service all the estate vehicles, the gamekeepers’ vehicles and 4x4s for guests who come for the shooting season. It’s a big part of our business.”
The report also points to abundant wildlife. Some 16 species of bird of prey are found across the landholdings, with golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, buzzard, red kite, peregrine and kestrel recorded on every estate. Waders such as curlew, lapwing and oystercatcher - in severe decline across much of the UK - are found in abundance, alongside black grouse and skylark.
Ross Ewing, director of moorland and strategic projects at SLE, said: “Upland estates in the Angus Glens are creating jobs, providing homes for rural workers, supporting local businesses and enhancing the natural environment. With the right support, the Angus Glens can continue to be a stronghold for biodiversity, a driver of economic activity and a model for integrated land management.”
Iona McGregor, regional coordinator of the Angus Glens Moorland Group, said many people had the impression that all the land was dedicated to country sports, but activities ranging from woodland creation to farming and sustainable tourism ensured “the right balance of economic activity with active conservation and community access for leisure pursuits”.
The estates invested £114,087 in track maintenance during 2025, while a partnership with Strathmore RFC has seen 1,519 game meals served at the club over the past two seasons. SLE will discuss the findings with MSPs in the coming months.