The salmon fishing season has been officially declared open after major-winning golfer Paul Lawrie blessed the waters of the River Deveron.
The Aberdeen-born 1999 Open champion joined the throng at a packed riverbank in Turriff yesterday morning when he was given the honour of toasting the water with 18-year-old whisky.
The traditional ceremony, hosted by the local anglers association, was then capped by Peterhead man Craig Wyness throwing the first line.
Mr Wyness was given the job for the second year in a row after reeling in a 30lb fish last season to win the Morison Trophy, which is presented to the fisherman or woman with the heaviest catch of the year.
Last night, Richie Miller, director of the River Deveron Salmon Fishery Board, described the opening as being “very successful”.
He added: “We had a good turnout and Paul did a good job – he was very enthusiastic. The river, as well, is looking very good for fishing.”
There had been concerns earlier this year that high levels of winter flooding would affect fish stocks, putting the angling season and tourism spin-offs in jeopardy.
But Mr Miller said the Deveron had escaped the worst of the weather.
He added: “The Deveron wasn’t hit as badly as the Dee – we got off with the winter floods very lightly. It hasn’t caused a great deal of damage, so everyone is pretty optimistic about the season ahead.”
This year, he expects the biggest catch to again be about 25 to 30lbs.
He said: “At the moment, the river is a very good height. It has been a very wet winter, so there’s plenty of water to entice salmon back in from the sea.
“I would encourage everyone to come and try the river this year and have a go. Certainly, conditions are very favourable and everyone would be welcome.”
At the time of Mr Wyness’ winning catch, River Deveron warden Frank Henderson said it was a sign that stocks were on the up.