Written By: Karen Powell
On Date: 2/11/2004
A number of steps to ensure a consensual approach to the implementation of forthcoming access legislation in and around the River Spey have been agreed by delegates from a range of backgrounds.
Fishing proprietors, ghillies, anglers, canoeists and public agencies gathered at Craigellachie on Tuesday (26th October) to discuss implementation of the legislation and accompanying Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
The legislation and code promote the right of responsible access to inland waters as well as to land, and the meeting was held in recognition of the implications for sports fishing and canoeing interests, particularly on the River Spey.
One of the agreed outcomes was to investigate the use of interpretative signage along the river giving canoeists information on access points to the Spey and advice on their access rights and responsibilities. Similarly, information and advice on canoeing for anglers is to be available in fishing huts.
Another outcome is to explore the possibilities for the publication and wider distribution of a River Spey guide, written by Dave Craig of the Scottish Canoe Association. This guide is currently available on request, but through wider circulation would help to promote access points and the wise and considerate use of the water resource. In the future, it is hoped that improved access and car parking at agreed locations may be a natural progression.
The meeting was organised by the Spey Catchment Steering Group, and was chaired by Andrew Thin, Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA). Mr Thin said afterwards: "One of the aims of the Cairngorms National Park Authority is to create a Park for everyone, where people can enjoy various recreational activities. Fishing is obviously a key economic driver for the communities along the Spey, both in and outside of the Park, but equal importance needs to be given to the Spey's recreational value in terms of canoeing."
River Spey Project Officer, Pete Moore - representing the Spey Catchment Steering Group - added: "There has been a tremendous amount of positive work in the past, which has achieved a great deal in terms of co-ordinating the activities of anglers and canoeists. In the light of forthcoming changes to Access legislation and the recommendations of our recent study on the Economic Impacts of Water Related Recreation in the Spey Catchment, we felt that a meeting was timely.
"We wanted to provide an opportunity for people to have a common understanding of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, be aware of the various opportunities that have already been identified, and most importantly, to encourage and enable people from different interests to work together."
Hugh Blakeney, Secretary of the Spey Fishing Trust Ltd, said: "The proposals agreed at Craigellachie reinforce the long-term liaison between fishing and organised canoeing interests on the River Spey. They will provide guidelines for the responsible enjoyment of a mutual resource which we hope the individual fishermen and canoeist will respect."
Dave Craig, the Scottish Canoe Association River Adviser, who has has a long involvement with the Spey commented: "There is a long history of anglers and canoeists working together on the River Spey and the good relations formed between all parties were very much in evidence at this meeting. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code sets out clear guidance as to how canoeists can enjoy their new right of access
responsibly and share the wonderful resource that is the River Spey with other water users."
Mr Thin hailed the Craigellachie meeting a success and noted that the participants agreed that the gathering should be succeeded by an annual forum where river users can meet to review the seasons and to address any areas of concern of either party.
1. Spey Catchment Steering Group comprises the Spey Fishery Board; Scottish Natural Heritage; the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Highland and Moray Councils. Additional funding partners include Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise; Sportscotland and the Cairngorms Partnership who's role is now been taken over by the CNPA. The Spey Catchment Management Project is managed by the group. It is a European funded project through the Highlands and Island Special Transitional Programme and aims to provide a strategic framework for the wise and sustainable use of the water resource and for the protection and enhancement of water quality and wildlife within the River Spey catchment.
2. The Cairngorms National Park was established in September 2003. It is the UK's largest National Park at 1,467 sq miles. The CNPA was set up by the Scottish Parliament to ensure that the unique aspects of the Cairngorms - both the natural environment and the local communities - are cared for, sustained and enhanced for current and future generations to enjoy. The CNPA is designed to be an 'enabling' organisation promoting partnership and giving leadership to all those involved in the Cairngorms.
For more information contact:
Karen Powell
Press Officer
Cairngorms National Park Authority
Tel: 01479 870534 / email: karenpowell@cairngorms.co.uk <mailto:karenpowell@cairngorms.co.uk> / www.cairngorms.co.uk <http://www.cairngorms.co.uk>
Karen Powell
Press Officer
Cairngorms National Park Authority
14 The Square
Grantown-on-Spey
PH26 3HG
Tel: 01479 8705354 / karenpowell@cairngorms.co.uk / www.cairngorms.co.uk
FISHING AND CANOEING INTERESTS AGREE WAY FORWARD FOR SPEY ACCESS