Highland anglers have gathered on the banks of the River Beauly to raise a glass to what they hope will be a prosperous new season.
Members of Beauly Angling Club gathered on Saturday to bless the river as they celebrated the start of the new fishing season.
Beauly piper Niall Bolger, 14, led the group of fishermen down to the bank to witness the delivery of the traditional toast by chairwoman Wendy Harpe, as devoted club member Jim Braithwaite from Kiltarlity launched the first cast of the season.
Secretary David Sellers said that, despite the harsh weather conditions brought by Storm Dennis, the ceremony had been a resounding success.
He said: “It went really well. Although it were quite wild, we had a good turnout for us. Around 30 members of the club were involved. We usually get a good turnout and considering how bad the weather was I think we did very well.”
Several anglers took to the water following the event, with club member Hamish Young making the first catch of the season with a small sea trout.
The group then gathered at Downie Fishing Hut for light refreshments.
Looking ahead to the new season, Mr Sellers said the organisation was hoping to continue their drive to encourage greater participation of young people across the area.
He added: “They’re our future and we are trying to encourage as many as we can to join.
“They are not having to buy waders and things like that yet because they are fishing off the bank of a pond, but it’s getting them and keeping them interested.”
