Paralympic snowboarder Andrew Macleod has helped open the salmon season in historic Perthshire.
The Lewis-born star joined scores of anglers on the banks of the River Teith in Callander for a traditional “tight lines” ceremony.
He marked the new season by throwing a quaich of single malt into the waters during the centuries-old celebration.
Mr Macleod said the event highlighted the benefits the outdoors can have on mental and physical health.
The Doune and Deanston Pipe Band led the annual parade of about 500 people through the town to the river.
Provost Christine Simpson said: “The opening of the fishing season is one of the highlights in Stirling’s calendar and the turnout this year was just fantastic once again.
“We always receive great support from the local Callander community, anglers from across the country and all the organisations who turn out in support of the opening day.”
She said: “Anyone who visits our shores will be able to experience not only some of the best fishing the UK has to offer, but also the wonderful spirit of the angling communities surrounding our rivers.
“I would like to congratulate the team, led by fisheries officer Scott Mason, for the sterling work that they do.”
Anglers are invited to fish for free on the local authority-controlled sections of the river until Saturday.
The Teith is publicly owned and managed by Stirling Council, who this year implemented new conservation measures such as fall catch and release on the River Forth, and the removal of worm fishing to protect fish stocks and meet conservation targets.
Vice-convener of the environment and housing committee Danny Gibson said: “We are very proud of our publicly owned fisheries and the work our teams do to preserve the river and its fish stocks, so that generations can come and enjoy the type of event we have seen here today.”
He added: “Our permit price freeze will allow a wider range of anglers than ever before to access our beautiful rivers, and I hope that they come to sample – not only some of the best value salmon fishing in the UK – but also the warm and hospitable welcome that is provided by the local communities that surround them.”
Similar celebrations were held on the River Tay at Meikleour and Kenmore in January.
