NatureScot announced that the grouse shoot licensing scheme will launch on 15th July 2024.
Guidance on how to apply for a grouse shoot licence and other guidance is set out here.
The process is simple and straightforward. The key bits of information needed to complete the application are:
- A grid reference within the landholding
- A map showing the landholding boundary and area over which you have the right to kill or take red grouse
- Code of Practice which you must agree to comply with
Please contact the GWCT Scotland Advisory team here if you need any help with setting the grid reference or mapping.
Other information that applicants will be asked to provide are:
- full name or organisation name
- contact details including email address
- postal address (for correspondence)
The licence holder must be the owner and/or occupier of the land. An occupier is someone who has the right to kill or take red grouse over the land.
The licence holder can be an individual or an organisation (a trust, a business or a partnership).
You can apply on behalf of someone else with their permission.
A draft code of practice for grouse moor management will be provided in advance of the scheme launch. You can see the draft version of the code here.
Following submission of your application:
- If you are the licence holder, you will receive an email which includes a link to download your licence.
- If you have applied on behalf of the licence holder:
- you will receive an email confirming the application has been submitted to the licence holder for approval
- the licence holder will receive an email with a link for them to approve the application
- after the licence holder approves the application, both you and the licence holder will receive an email which includes a link to download your licence
After acceptance, compliance with licensing and code requirements will be monitored through declarations and the provision of information returns such as grouse bags. GWCT Scotland has established mobile app recording to make it easier to build up and retain evidence of best practice. Information on these services can be found here.