Wildland marks International Year of the Salmon
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Conservation organisation Wildland Ltd marked the International Year of the Salmon with two days of activities and events in north Sutherland at the weekend.
Wildland, established in 2007 by landowners Anders and Anne Holch Povlsen, held habitat and lifecycle talks and activities with local schools on Friday morning at Loch Hope as well as casting lessons.
That evening saw talks and films at the Kyle Centre in Tongue on efforts being made to reverse the decline in wild salmon.
The event was hosted by Wildland estate manager Andrew Adamson, who also organised all the other events over the two days.
Those present included gamekeepers, ghillies, anglers, scientists and underwater camera divers as well as local residents.
Former River Naver bailiff Chris Conroy, now with the Ness Fishery Board, explained how regeneration of land bordering upland rivers was starting to improve natural conditions, especially on the River Garry which he is managing.
He also explained how the tagging of fish was starting to give important feedback on the changing lifecycle of the salmon.
Gordon Sim, of angling equipment company Loop Tackle told how the firm was funding the monitoring of fish and also encouraging governments to become involved.
Mark Bilsby, of the Atlantic Salmon Trust, spoke about different projects to help released young fish reach the sea without being affected by dredging or various other “industrial” operations.
Mr Bilsby explained that a partnership approach had meant that these operations could be halted during release periods.
On Saturday morning a beach clean was held at Loch Eriboll followed by a barbeque at Loch Hope in the afternoon for the beach cleaners.
