Film footage of heather moorland on fire belching clouds of smoke across the Cairngorms has sparked fierce criticism of sporting estates. Read more: [ Ссылка ]

Landowners and gamekeepers burn patches of heather to help boost populations of red grouse so there are more available to be shot by paying visitors.

But the practice, known as muirburn, is under attack by campaigners who say that it puts wildlife in danger and causes pollution. It is “deliberate environmental vandalism” and should cease, they say.

In response gamekeepers have launched an angry counter-offensive, accusing campaigners of an “orchestrated attempt” to “smear legal management activity”. Landowners insisted muirburn was beneficial and “strictly regulated”.

Video credit: Revive, the coalition for grouse moor reform.
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