Right to roam threatens grouse

09 August 1999

Right to roam ‘threatens grouse’

SCOTTISH landowners claimed their grouse moors are under threat from the governments proposals to allow the public the right to roam.

The Moorland Association, which represents about 200 owners, is concerned that ministers have rejected their plans for a network of footpaths across their lands instead of a blanket rule of open access.

There are about 323,760ha (800,000 acres) of heather moorland in Scotland which will be open to the public if the proposed legislation becomes law.

• The Times 09/08/99 page 10