Freshwater fishing plan unveiled

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Plans are being unveiled to attract more anglers to Scotland's rivers.

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead is to announce measures to improve the management of all species of freshwater fish.

They include more research and the sharing of good practice. Fisheries bodies are to be streamlined to help them work more effectively.

The sector already brings in £120m to the Scottish economy each year and supports thousands of rural jobs.

The "Strategic Framework for Freshwater Fisheries" also includes plans to increase funding and will be announced by Mr Lochhead at the Game Fair at Scone Palace in Perthshire.

He said: "Scotland is renowned for its freshwater fishing and attracts anglers from around the globe, keen to take part in the Scottish experience - particularly the catching of salmon.

"The measures within the framework are forward-looking and acknowledge that work needs to be undertaken before its vision can be realised.

"I hope that anglers and fishermen alike take its provisions to heart and work with the Scottish Government and the river authorities to contribute to the sustainable economic growth of rural Scotland."

'Enhanced image'

Mr Lochhead said Scotland's international image as a destination for anglers and other outdoor pursuits was already well established and he hoped the framework would "enhance that image further".

The plans have been welcomed by the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards.

Its chairman, Hugh Campbell Adamson, said the document could not have been produced without cooperation between the government and the private sector.

He added: "We look forward to continuing that close cooperation and together delivering on the objectives set out in the framework."