The true Scotch Red Grouse is to be found only on the moors of Northern England and Scotland, and to a lesser extent in Ireland. It has an incomparable flavour whether young or old, or served hot or cold, but it is the young birds that are best kept for roasting. Older birds are useful for braising or in pies and terrines. The young bird has soft downy feathers on the breast, wings and legs. The spur on the legs should not be pronounced or hard at its extremities. Look for plump pliable breasts with no signs of taint at the vent. The older birds will show well developed feathering and hard spurs.