Critics claim they are deserts given over to a single species, but the German scientists who have spent three years studying a renowned grouse moor have today <Thurs> put forward a very different view.

They recorded 103 bird species last year on Glenogil Estate in the Angus glens, which they claim are only there because of the way the land is managed for red grouse, Scotland’s most valuable sporting prey.

The international team studying the moor has counted an extra 35 species since its first survey in 2015, and the list includes endangered “red list” birds such as curlew, lapwing, black grouse and merlin.

Grouse moors have never been under closer scrutiny and are often linked by the RSPB to wildlife crime and the disappearance of birds of prey.

But there are also 11 raptors on the list, including golden eagles, sea eagles, hen harriers, red kites, ospreys, barn owls and short eared owls, as well as the ubiquitous buzzards.