South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has officially opened the 2024 salmon fishing season as part of a ceremony organised by the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board.
The local MSP gave a speech and blessed the Nith by pouring a ceremonial quaich of whisky in the river at Boatford Beat near Thornhill on Monday.
The whisky was supplied by Claxton’s Whisky Dalswinton Bond. Representatives of Vodafone also attended the event to provide information on the support for several environmental projects on the Nith; and Roderick Styles, clerk to the board, made the first cast on the river.
The event was intended to bring the river community together to celebrate the commencement of the coming season and included speeches from Jim Henderson, the director of the fishery board, and the chairman of the board Percy Wetherall.
Colin Smyth said: “I was honoured to open the 2024 season and would like to thank the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board who organised the event, bringing together the angling community.
“This is a difficult time for salmon fishing but the board and local anglers know the river better than anyone and they are committed to conserving and growing stocks to a sustainable level. I wish all anglers well for a successful season and the board for the work they do.”
