Scotland’s £275-million-a-year country sports industry can look forward to a bumper year, a Perth expert has stated.
The Sporting Lets agency, run by CKD Galbraith, believes this year’s sporting season will remain buoyant with continued strong demand for fishing, stalking and grouse shooting.
The long-awaited arrival of milder weather is expected to bring outdoor enthusiasts to the area in large numbers.
Robert Rattray, partner at CKD Galbraith and head of the firm’s Sporting Lets firm, said: “The 2013 salmon season has kicked off with encouraging reports from the likes of the Tay and lower Spey.
“Further north, the cold weather conditions have delayed the start of the main spring run which should start to build up as the weather improves in April and May.
“Grouse numbers have been generally very encouraging over the last three years with 2011 being one of the best years in recent history.”
The firm is based in the heart of grouse shooting country in Perthshire and offers the sport on some of the finest moors in Scotland.
There has been strong demand this season, with parties arriving from across the globe for both walked up and driven shooting.
Perthshire also remains a world class salmon fishing destination with the Tay retaining its renowned reputation, according to Robert.
He said: “We are able to offer wonderful salmon fishing on some of the lesser known but really exciting and prolific rivers.
“We are finding that people’s aspirations are changing when it comes to booking a typical week’s family sporting lodge holiday.
“However, summer school holidays continue to be popular months and coincide with some of the best fishing, shooting and stalking.
“We have a strong core of regular tenants for these weeks, who understand that a Scottish lodge holiday not only caters for the whole family but also offers fantastic value for money.
“As many sportsmen and women start to contemplate this year’s sporting pursuits we must not forget the contribution it makes to the Scottish economy with recent estimates putting the revenues generated at some £275 million a year.”