Grouse on the Glorious Twelfth

The first day on the hill is always charged with anticipation, a blend of tradition, skill and in this case the vast beauty of the Scottish uplands. At West Glenalmond Estate in Perthshire excitement was matched by a deep sense of purpose. This was more than the opening of the grouse shooting season; it was a celebration of a year’s hard work by keepers, dogs and land managers, particularly after a challenging previous season. Behind every shot lay months of predator control, habitat restoration and the careful balancing act of sport, conservation, and community. And what better way to honour that dedication than with a walked-up shoot?

Warm conditions greeted the Guns on opening morning, a light breeze was welcomed as the sun climbed higher. Among them were members of the Newton family, who had travelled from Sussex to enjoy the sport. One of them, Marc Newton, managing director of John Rigby & Co., reflected on the occasion, saying: “The grouse season is a special time in Scotland, marking the culmination of months of hard work by estates and gamekeepers – not only to sustain healthy grouse populations, but also to protect the variety of wildlife that thrives here. West Glenalmond’s landscape is truly breathtaking and alive with nature, which is a huge part of the appeal, alongside the sport itself.”