Marks and Spencer will not be selling red grouse this year after fears of a consumer boycott, according to an article in The Times. (We haven’t read it because we refuse to pay to get past Murdoch’s pay wall but you can read the first few lines here).
[Update: article in Telegraph here, also reporting this story]
This has undoubtedly come about because of the consumer pressure that began last year and has continued this year (from Mark Avery’s blog readers, our blog readers, Ethical Consumer magazine’s readers) and also some behind-the-scenes work from a couple of organisations including the RSPB.
Thanks to everyone who got involved and thanks especially to Marks and Spencer!
Previous blog posts on this issue here, here, here, here and here.
Raptor Persecution UK 
Brilliant news. At least someone is listening.
Well done to M&S for reaching this decision. Who needs to eat grouse anyway? There’s plenty of road-kill pheasant if one needs to eat game birds. Now if we can only encourage M&S, Tesco, Waitrose etc. to stop selling chicken then we will be one step closer to a humane society.
Not in my lifetime I fear.
Fantastic news! Driven grouse shooting should be banned, maybe then our raptors will stand a chance.
Just out of curiosity, apart from the RSPB, what was the other organisation doing the behind-the-scenes work?
Very pleased about this..it seems that only money will get through to the grouse moor managers…always important to stomp on bogus claims of ethical food. Its difficult enough to get the public on side on environmental matters without false claims of sustainability.
Sadly this is not going to have a huge financial impact. M&S only started selling grouse last year.
Politically it is a good statement but I have not seen much being made of it in the media.
I’m subscribed if you wish to see the full article.
Next weekend 20th 21st Glamis castle is hosting a Summer Food Fest. One of the sponsors is the Angus Glens Moorland Group. These are the same glens that HH,s have not nested in for 10 years and where historic raptor crime is well documented.The celebrity chef Nick Nairn will be present and will be cooking grouse provided by the above mentioned group.This is all part of the charm offensive to dupe the public into thinking that all is well on our uplands.If you happen to be there you might want to ask any of the chefs or representatives of AGMG about medicated grit to rid the grouse of internal worms and whether there is residual amounts in the flesh. Also have the grouse been tested for high lead levels? Do these grouse meet any food standards ? Is there mountain hare and venison on the menu ? Many Angus glens are devoid of both because of grouse ” management “. Hope to see you there.