The value of country sports to the rural economy has been hailed by a Scottish Government minister ahead of the start of the grouse shooting season.

Rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing spoke on the day he attended the Highland Field Sports Fair near Inverness.

Research currently puts the value of tourism from field sports, such as shooting, stalking and fishing, at about £155m in Scotland.

However, groups campaigning against grouse shooting say its value is "highly questionable" and it damages the environment.

Mr Ewing said: "Our tourism sector is a vital strand of the rural economy and country sports represent a significant proportion of this.

"Field sports are a huge draw, with both domestic and foreign audiences enjoying the wealth of world-class opportunities available in Scotland.

"Forecasts suggest this area is set to continue to grow over the coming years, which will bring further gains to rural communities in terms of employment and economic benefits."

August 12, known as The Glorious Twelfth, traditionally marks the start of the annual grouse shooting season.

Sarah Troughton, chair of the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group (SCSTG), said: "Country sports in Scotland are truly world-class and have international appeal thanks to the unique and evocative combination of sport, scenery and hospitality that is truly unrivalled.

"There is currently a really strong attraction for European visitors and this is expected to contribute to an increase in the value of country sports tourism in Scotland from its current value of £155m to around £185m by 2020."

Robbie Marsland, director of League Against Cruel Sports, Scotland, said: "Grouse shooting's value to Scottish people is highly questionable when the average grouse industry earnings are around £11,500 pa.

"Grouse moor management, which is largely unregulated, is also reaching industrial proportions. Unplanned roads scar the landscape, burnt off heather pollutes the atmosphere, and flocks of sheep are used as 'tick mops' to protect the grouse.

"So called 'pest control' aims to eradicate foxes and hen harriers which are targeted by illegal persecution.

"They might talk about the value of shooting, but do they really know the true cost to the environment, wildlife, and Scotland's reputation as a beautiful tourist destination, all for the sake of killing birds for fun?

"We were however delighted when, earlier this year, the Scottish Government legislated to end subsidies for shooting estates in Scotland."