Suisgill ghillie to make first cast of 2024 season on River Helmsdale

The honour of making the first cast on the River Helmsdale for the 2024 season has been given to a local angler and ghillie, it has been announced.

Suisgill Estate ghillie Donald Sutherland will be testing the water at the River Helmsdale Opening Day next Thursday, January 11.

The event begins at around 9.30am-10am and will follow the traditional format with an opening parade down Dunrobin Sreet led by Sutherland Schools Pipe Band.

The pipe band will then perform at the roundabout outside the Bridge Guest House.

Helmsdale District Salmon Board manager Sir Michael Wigan, of Borrobol, will say a few words before the ceremonial cast.

The river is open to all anglers without charge from the first day of the 2024 season until Saturday, January 20.

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Anglers are required only to sign in, providing names and addresses, at Glencoast, the fishing tackle, country and outdoors shop on Dunrobin Street.

It is also requested that anglers do not to start fishing until after the opening ceremony.

Yvonne Grant, of Glencoast, has announced that Ice and Fire Distillery, a small batch craft distillery based at Smerral, Latheronwheel, will be running a gin and rum tasting in the shop from 3pm-5pm.

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