Events at Meikleour and Kenmore

The eagerly anticipated opening of the salmon season on the River Tay enjoyed unseasonably mild weather.

The major ceremonies this year were held at Meikleour and Kenmore.

The Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board, the body which protects salmon, and Perthshire Chamber of Commerce hosted the event at Meikleour Fishings by Kinclaven Bridge.

Pipers played as the river was blessed and the first symbolic cast made.

The blessing at Meikleour is unique, starting with the traditional whisky followed by the pouring of Champagne, celebrating the Auld Alliance.

French firm Pol Roger from Epernay sends a magnum for the occasion, commemorating a friendship sealed during the Second World War in enemyoccupied France, where George Mercer Nairne of Meikleour (1912-1999) and members of the Pol Roger family worked for the Resistance movement.

Kenmore Hotel was the centre of the other major opening ceremony where the 70th anniversary of the event was marked.

The fishermen and their supporters lined up behind Vale of Atholl Pipe Band and marched to the Tay, led by Provost Liz Grant.

The anglers then took up their positions along both banks of the river as a toast was offered to bless the water for the new season and the first cast made.