The
Tay Ghillies Association was formed in October
1998 in response to continued declines in salmon
stocks on the Tay system. Not only does this pose
a threat to the sport of angling, but it places
in jeopardy the livelihoods of many river keepers
and ghillies - the very people who look after
the river.
It was also felt that the voice of those working
on the river was not being heard and that a forum
was required where the ghillies could express
their views. Visiting speakers have also been
invited to meetings so that an exchange of information
is promoted.
Full membership of the association is open to
ghillies employed on the Tay system. The group
meets regularly at the Tayside Hotel Stanley and
the Ballinluig Inn. Ghillies from all parts of
the river are represented.
Prawn Ban
The Association initially objected to the ban
on prawn fishing on the Tay. Concerns were raised
that loyal tenants would be lost and that the
economy of the river would be further undermined.
Since the introduction of the ban The Association
has provided a forum for debate of the matter
and presentations by those in favour of this conservation
measure carried the day. The Association is now
fully behind the Boards actions and woe betide
anybody using prawns!
Cooperation with Tay District Salmon Fisheries
Board
A meeting was held with representatives of the
Board. It was intimated that more positive action
should be taken and less money spent on research.
It was also suggested that a ghillie be co-opted
on to the District Board to represent all the
ghillies on the Tay system.
Dr. David Summers
Following the appointment of Dr. David Summers
to TDSFB as Fisheries Manager for the Tay System
a most informative meeting was held with him at
Ballinluig. The Association now has regular contact
with the Board and together we hope to do great
things to help the River Tay
Membership
The Association is pleased to report that membership
is already highly representative of the vocation.
However The Association would like to see full
participation of all ghillies on the system. Annual
membership costs £10 and is available from:
Mr Duncan Glass
Secretary/Treasurer
Tay Ghillies Association
Wellesley House
West Brae
East Wemyss
KY1 4LA
Tel. 01592 716 294 |
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Fund
Raising
It was decided that the Association would endeavor
to raise funds which could later be used to help
with hatcheries and smolt traps etc. As a result
the Association ran a Donkey Derby and Fun Day
Fete at Ballinluig, both of which were an outstanding
success. See
the full story and pictures of the 2000 event
The Association has subsequently applied for Charitable
status and is in the process of applying for grants
for conservation work.
Action Taken - Restocking
The Association was able to buy two very large
holding tanks to assist in the Almondbank salmon
restocking programme. - See
the Full Story and picture . The Association
is also provided labour and joinery skills and
constructed the tank surrounds.
Action Taken - Hatcheries
Redundant hatchery equipment has kindly been donated
to the Association for use in the restocking hatcheries.
The association has arranged transport of the
troughs and trays.
Action taken - Prize Draw
All funds raised by the Association will be used
to purchase hatchery equipment and to finance
any suitable restocking programmes. Anyone interested
in helping our attempt to restore the Tay run
of salmon can please send donations, however small,
payable to "Tay Ghillies Association" via the
Treasurer (address at bottom of page)
.
This year's prize draw has now been completed,
but if you would like to help with the 2001 draw,
please contact the Association
Action Taken - Angling Auction
In Year 2000 the Association hosted an auction
of angling to generate further funds for the hatchery
and restocking programmes. Ghillies, Fishery owners,
Tackle Manufacturers and Accommodation Providers
were most generous in their donations and we hope
to hold a similar event in 2001.
Please call
Jimmy Tritton on
01796 482 331
or mobile 0789 999 0159
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