IT’S been a busy month for the rivers Dee and Tweed.
Actor Robson Green, Olympic rower Dame Katherine Grainger, and internationally-experienced river guide Al Peake have been appointed as ambassadors for the River Dee Trust.
Green said: “It’s the bonniest river, not only in Scotland, but in Britain if not Europe.
“But, like all rivers, it’s facing challenges.
“I’m delighted to do whatever I can to help.”
Grainger said: “The Dee is a wonderful river – it enriches the lives of everyone who appreciates its beauty and wildlife, and it has a special place in my heart.
“I have seen the amazing river restoration work at first hand and I’m extremely grateful to have this opportunity to support the hard work of the trust and everyone involved in helping the Dee achieve its potential.”
Peake added: “I am totally focused on working with the River Dee Trust team to help ensure that the salmon that run the river have a healthy and sustainable future.
“I believe that future-proofing the habitat of the river is without doubt essential work to ensure that people can experience the magic of the Atlantic Salmon for generations to come.”
Tweed Foundation opens academy
Meanwhile, The Tweed Foundation has opened its Ian Gregg River Academy at Drygrange near Melrose to education children and adults about the river.
A two-metre long water tank in the academy features fish from the river – including small salmon, trout, and grayling, as well as minnows and stone loaches, known colloquially in the Borders as “baggies” and “beardies”.
The academy was named after Ian Gregg, the founder of high street bakery chain Greggs and a former River Tweed Commission chief commissioner, who attended the opening ceremony.
Tweed Foundation director Jamie Stewart said: “The River Tweed and its tributaries are a huge shared resource that is vitally important to the Borders and North Northumberland.
“Our new Ian Gregg River Academy aims to provide a centre of excellence where schools, colleges, local community groups and interested individuals can discover more about the river and the life that teems within it.”
Read more fishing stories on Scottish Field’s field sports pages.
Plus, don’t miss Michael Wigan’s fishing column in the April issue of Scottish Field magazine.
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