The grouse shooting season in Scotland will commence as usual after extra safety measures were implemented to protect against Covid-19.
A framework of coronavirus guidance has been brought in by rural businesses and approved by the Scottish Government for the opening date on Wednesday, known as the Glorious 12th.
Measures include the use of personal protection equipment, social distancing measures, food hygiene guidance on shoot days and travel restrictions.
Mark Ewart, coordinator of the Southern Uplands Moorland Group, said: “This year is different to any season we’ve experienced before but the discussions held over the past few weeks have helped to ensure everyone knows what to do.
“It’s hard to overstate the importance of the season to people in this area.
“Not just for those directly employed by the estates but all the local businesses that supply equipment and the pubs and hotels.
The grouse season in Scotland, which runs for 16 weeks from August 12 to December 10, is estimated to be worth £32m during a good season.
That is part of the £350m overall value of game and country sports to Scotland.
Sporting shooting also supports 11,000 full-time jobs in Scotland, of which 2,640 are in the grouse sector.
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