Deer Rut Map

Deer rut tourists bring in big bucks

Many sporting estates are now offering to take tourists on “wildlife safaris” during the season, which usually begins in September and peaking in October.

The sight of Britain’s largest land animals battling for supremacy and mating rights is helping to attract visitors to estates when the traditional tourism season is beginning to slow.

VisitScotland has been promoting the Scottish countryside around the world during the Year of Natural Scotland.

Chairman Mike Cantlay said the promotional campaign was already paying off and that wildlife tourism was worth millions to the Scottish economy each year.

He said: “Across Scotland we are hearing very encouraging signs from the industry.

“Given the context of the challenging economic environment, especially in tourism across the world, we do seem to be punching above our weight and Natural Scotland as a themed year is giving us a real edge.

“Wildlife tourism itself is worth something in the region of £270 million to the Scottish economy, so it is big business and Natural Scotland is big business.”