Court date for St Vigeans man’s salmon poaching trial

An Angus man is to stand trial accused of poaching salmon from waters near Arbroath.

Thomas Mark Yule, 41, of David’s Hill, St Vigeans, is alleged to have breached the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003 on June 7 by committing a number of offences at Elliot Sands, Arbroath.

It is alleged that on June 7 Yule was found in possession of salmon or trout, or an instrument, explosive, poison or noxious substance which would be used in the taking of salmon or trout, contrary to the 2003 Act.

He is also charged with fishing or taking salmon at Elliot Sands in Arbroath by ways other than rod and line, net and coble or cruive, as well as using a monofilament net and fishing/taking the salmon from waters within the Tay District Salmon Fishery Board’s boundaries without permission.

Yule was detained after a joint operation between the police and water bailiffs employed by Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board.

Yule did not appear in the dock at Arbroath Sheriff Court when his case was called on Tuesday.

Solicitor Lynn Sturrock confirmed a not-guilty plea and court dates were fixed.

Trial was set for November 6 with an intermediate diet on October 22.