Sporting tourism flowers – the development from c. 1780 of grouse and golf as visitor attractions in Scotland and Ireland

Abstract

Sporting tourism became a very significant part of Scotland's tourism portfolio during the nineteenth century. It was centred on the elite sports of deer stalking, salmon fishing and grouse shooting, but in parallel an enthusiasm for golf also grew, which was enjoyed by a much wider social spectrum. This article focuses on the rise and implications of grouse and golf and contrasts Scotland's success with what happened in Ireland, where there was potential but political instability undermined commercial shooting on landlord estates. There were issues in Scotland, but they were mostly overcome to the benefit of the Highland area. Golf drew visitors to all parts of tourist Scotland.