We’ve bought a river to bring back our dying salmon

Salmon stocks are falling in rivers across the country with rod catch numbers at their lowest level since 1952, according to the latest Scottish government figures, external.

The River Ericht however has a problem with water abstractions, external which make it more difficult for the fish to swim upstream – as low waters make stressed fish more susceptible to predators such as birds.

The BRDAA said use of the river by mill lades and a fish farm over time has reduced flows along with Victorian-age weirs which are now falling into disrepair, starving the river of water in dry spells.

Following the official handover of the four-mile stretch of river on Saturday, the group said it would leave “no stone unturned” to help species recovery on the Ericht – which is part of a European Special Area of Conservation for salmon.

Anglers in the group carry out a range of work on the river each year, from litter picks and tree planting to managing invasive species on the river banks.

They also monitor salmon stock and, now that they own a larger stretch of the river, they expect their data will give them greater clout when making arguments to the Scottish government.