Rod levy ruled out for Scotland

THE REQUIREMENT for rod licences for wild fishing or a wild fishing levy have been ruled out by the Scottish Government.

These proposals were previously considered as part of the consultation on draft provisions for a Wild Fisheries (Scotland) Bill and draft Wild Fisheries Strategy.

Alasdair Allan MSP had raised concerns in parliament about the effects these proposals could have on wild fishing, after receiving a number of representations from concerned constituents.

Mr Allan said: ‘I am very glad the Scottish Government has listened to the concerns I had raised on behalf of many people in the islands, including the tourist industry.

‘When these proposals were first considered, I found there was considerable anxiety about the financial burden rod licences for wild fishing, in particular for trout, could place on individual anglers.

‘They also had the potential to deter young people from the sport.

‘It is important we find a way to manage our freshwater fish stocks without placing undue burden on local anglers, and I hope these revised proposals are a way to achieve that.’