Briqual wrote:
I also would like to know my rights on this as I've already this year had somebody advise me that gamekeepers wouldn't be happy if my dogs disturbed nesting grouse - even though I'm pretty sure the wild grouse don't actually belong to the estate as such.
Under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code dogs should be kept under control in the bird breeding season, dogs don't just disturb grouse there are lots of other ground nesting birds out on the hills - golden plover, hen harrier, dotterel, lapwing, curlew etc as well as other wildlife. It is actually a criminal offence to disturb breeding birds and that includes by not keeping your dog under control.
Most estates I've found have notices up saying where they are stalking and which routes are away from stalking, and there are phone lines you can call and a recorded message will let you know when and where stalking is taking place beforehand. The numbers to call are usually put up on the route descriptions too. If the estate has a updated website you can usually find the information there as well. Most places don't do stalking on Sundays but some do. I've not been effected by deer stalking on any walks yet, the most I've seen has been the landrover carrying the carcasses back and they just give a friendly wave.