The annual ritual of the opening of the salmon season on the River Tay got off to a flying start on Monday with the first fish taken within a few minutes of anglers taking to the water.
Hundreds of people lined the river banks to take part in ceremonies at Dunkeld and Kenmore.
The early salmon was taken at Kenmore, minutes after a 100-strong parade had made its way from the Kenmore Hotel to the river bank to see the first cast made by Lee Conway from Glasgow, who caught the first fish on last year’s opening day.
A cornerstone of the local economy it is estimated that angling is worth in excess of £5 million annually to Perthshire fishing directly supports around 50 jobs and many more indirectly in the retail and tourist sectors.
Among those recognising the financial importance of angling was Stephen Leckie, president of the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, who hosted a breakfast for the business community at the Hilton Dunkeld House Hotel before St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas took the first cast on the river in front of the hotel.
Mr Leckie said: ”I am delighted to see so many people gathered here today to celebrate this jewel in Perthshire’s crown a major contributor to the local economy.
”Perthshire is one of the country’s premier fishing locations and the river Tay is famous across the world. The area’s fishing industry supplies important domestic and international markets for some of Scotland’s highest quality food products.”
He added: ”Fishing is also a key tourist attraction for visitors from across the UK and overseas and this helps support Perthshire’s economy and jobs, particularly in remote and fragile areas that may otherwise struggle to survive in today’s tough climate.
”Fishing is often perceived as a traditional pursuit of a select few, when the reality is that a growing number of people from all walks of life of all ages are participating in, and enjoying, this activity.
”One could also imagine that only large estates and sporting agents benefit, however the public are now coming to realise the value of country sports, including fishing, and associated land management practices.”
William Jack, chairman of the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board, took up the theme that salmon fishing was not only for the rich.
He said: ”On the opening of the new season the Tay board would like to take the opportunity to counteract the widely-held misconception that salmon angling is the preserve of the wealthy.
”For example in February, there are currently over 3,000 rod days available on the Tay. Half of these cost £30 pounds or less and 95% less than £60.”
He added: ”In addition there is a great amount of water owned or managed by clubs and associations, offering easy access at little cost. Obviously many prices increase as the season progresses but there is still a wealth of good value fishing available to all.”
The Dunkeld event was organised by the Hilton Dunkeld House in conjunction with Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board, the Dunkeld and Birnam Tourist Association and Perthshire Chamber of Commerce.
A procession of locals, chamber of commerce members and the hotel’s ghillies were led to the Dunkeld fishing beat by piper Andrew MacQueen before sharing a dram at the water’s side.
A traditional blessing, dousing the boats with whisky to wish them and their passengers well for the coming season, was carried out before the angling got under way.