Cast away! Duchess of Sutherland launches start of River Tweed salmon fishing season in Kelso

The Duchess of Sutherland has blessed the River Tweed with a dram of whisky to toast the start of the new salmon fishing season in Kelso.

Her Grace also cast the first line during a special ceremony to mark the occasion at the Cobby this morning (Thursday).

"It was very exciting," she told Greatest Hits Radio. "I wish I had a fly on the end - make it a bit heavier and go out - I might catch a fish!"

Anglers from around the world have converged on the Borders town in the hope of netting the first salmon of the new season.

The day got underway with pipers leading a procession down to the riverside. They were joined by Kelso Provost Gavin Horsburgh, local school children and Net Zero secretary Mairi McAllan.

"I fish quite a bit, I enjoy my fishing," her Grace (pictured above) continued. "I think it's so special; the fishing I love, but it's actually walking up and down the Tweed, seeing the wildlife.

"We've got Egrets now at Mertoun, and they're here the whole year round, which is fun to see. And of course there are otters, or occasionally a seal further down stream. And the Oystercatchers come up.

"I like the peace and quiet and just being on the river with my dog or my husband, it's good fun. If you haven't the joy of fishing or living by the river, people don't know what they're missing."

It's hoped will Duchess's appearance will encourage more females to take up the sport.

Jamie Stewart is clerk to the River Tweed Commission. He said: "Most of the salmon records are achieved by lady anglers, and today we had children from Ednam and Broomland schools; and, in that contingency, we have young girls who are being educated about the life cycle of the fish and how important fish and the river is to the rural economy."

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