Sport like no other

In the first of a new series, sporting agent Mungo Ingleby reflects on the ever-evolving but enduring appeal of the incomparable Scottish grouse

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FROM THE perspective of a sporting agent, August can be a frenetic month. It is high season at Sporting Lets and in addition to the regular day-to-day management of beat and estate life we have daily and weekly parties heading to all parts of Scotland; lodges, fishing and the first stalking lets. We share their triumphs and low-water heartache, and then on the Twelfth there are the glorious grouse.

Historically we would settle core walking and driven programmes by the end of January. Then in July, on the Friday of the Scottish Game Fair, a steady stream of well-refreshed owners would pass through our stall in a jovial mood and we would take the opportunity to firm up any unconfirmed plans for the season ahead. Those were happy times, and for years Scotland enjoyed a golden run of consistent sport. Cancellations between the last week of August (the Twelfth was often too early, we develop slowly in Scotland) and the end of September were rare, while extra days well into late October and beyond were common.