Grouse moor operators and land managers are being urged to prepare for the new licensing system which is to come into effect shortly before the grouse season starts next month.

Scottish Land and Estates, which represents landowners and rural businesses, was speaking after NatureScot announced its intention to open licence applications on July 15, 2024.

Grouse shooting begins on Monday, August 12 – the Glorious 12th – and Ross Ewing, director of moorland at SLE, said it was imperative that moorland estates start planning their applications now so that licences can be processed as quickly as possible once the portal opens.

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Ross Ewing said: “Scottish Land & Estates and its members have engaged constructively with MSPs, the Scottish Government and NatureScot to ensure that the grouse moor licensing scheme is as workable and proportionate as possible. The opening of applications on July 15 in many ways marks the culmination of that process.

“It is in everyone’s interests to see a well-functioning system in place for the coming years and we are encouraging members with grouse moors to engage as early as possible to ensure their plans for the 2024 season are unaffected.

“We would have liked to have seen a longer period between the opening of applications and the start of the season but, although there is a limited timeframe, we believe NatureScot is well-placed to handle the applications that are about to be made.”

Mr Ewing added that estates should start to prepare details that will be required for licensing applications and, in particular, the mapping requirements.

He added: “Grouse moors should pay particular attention to the map which will accompany licence applications which is required to specify the landholding boundary and the area over which grouse are taken.

“The statutory code of practice for grouse moor management – which all licence holders will be expected to adhere to – will be published on July 12. The code sets out legal obligations associated with moorland management for grouse shooting.

“After Scottish Land & Estates made the case to politicians, it was agreed that licences would be granted for five years rather than requiring an annual application.

“There will, however, be an expectation that moors update their licence details with NatureScot should any changes occur over that period,” Mr Ewing said.

The five-year licence allows a greater degree of certainty in terms of investment by businesses and is very much welcomed by the sector.