NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 14 January 2010a RIVER TAY SALMON FISHING SEASON BEGINS Tomorrow sees the Tay Salmon Season Opening take place in Kenmore. Mid-Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser will take part in the parade and believes the start of the season on the River Tay will bring a welcome boost to the local economy. Murdo will also meet representatives of Angling for Youth Development (AFYD) and join in a casting session some of the youngsters involved. The River Tay is world renowned for its freshwater salmon fishing and Murdo believes that the River Tay surroundings are amongst the most spectacular and tranquil in the world. It is estimated that the freshwater salmon industry is worth £60 million to the Scottish economy. Commenting, Murdo said: “The salmon fishing season is one of the highlights of Perthshire’s sporting calendar and I congratulate everyone involved in organising the Tay Season Opening. The Scottish salmon fishing season effectively starts at the River Tay as this is the first of the major rivers to open. Salmon fishing in Perthshire on the River Tay is world renowned and it is famous in particular for its big spring fish. “Thousands of people will come to the River Tay over the season and experience the warmest of local welcomes while attempting to catch some Scottish wild salmon. Game fishing has always been important to our local economy in this area, bringing in millions of pounds in revenue. “Angling for Youth Development will attend the salmon opening and I would like to congratulate Grev Humphrey and everyone involved with this worthwhile initiative, which is now an accredited course by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. Grev and his colleagues have done a great job in developing the AFYD programme, which is helping to provide vital life skills to youngsters in the East Perthshire area. I have met some of the youngsters who have been involved in the programme and they have greatly benefited from it. “Scottish salmon is an iconic fish and the new salmon fishing season attracts people from all across the globe to visit Perthshire and take part in one of the noblest and most enjoyable sports.” ENDS   back to top of page