Published: Wednesday, 5th September, 2007 11:22
Tribute to Scott the fisherman in anniversary celebration
By Border Telegraph Newsroom
Print Article
A LITERARY giant’s determination to protect the River Tweed fisheries was commemorated this week.
The River Tweed Commission celebrated its 200th anniversary by convening for the first time at Abbotsford House.
It was the commissioners’ way of marking Sir Walter Scott’s involvement in the formation of the River Tweed Commissioners, the 1807 incarnation of the present body.
They met in the library before hosting a reception and lunch for around 100 guests, including representatives of fisheries management groups throughout the UK.
The driving force behind one of the world’s oldest fisheries management organisations was John Southey, the 15th Lord Somerville, of Pavilion, Melrose.
He and Scott, his fishing crony, led the committee that took steps to unite the interests of the upper and lower river and protect salmon fishing.
Andrew Douglas-Home, the commission chairman, said: “I am proud to lead an organisation which has operated for 200 years protecting the fisheries of the River Tweed.
“Despite many changes and Tweed Acts of Parliament, the commission’s powers are not dissimilar to those of 1807 and I would argue that Somerville and Scott got it right to empower those who live and work on the river with its governance.
“That the commission thrives today with an enthusiastic membership is testament to that.”
The commission is charged with the general preservation and increase of salmon, sea trout, trout and other freshwater fish in the Tweed and its tributaries.
It is particularly concerned with the regulation of fisheries, the removal of nuisances and obstructions and the prevention of illegal fishing.
The area of jurisdiction extends five miles out to sea and includes the coastline between Cockburnspath and Holy Island.
Its governing body consists of 43 members appointed by local authorities (from angling clubs and other interests) and 38 members elected by fishery proprietors.
Nick Yonge, the clerk to the commission, said: “The efficiency of its structure is widely recognised and it is the breadth and experience of the commissioners which enable it to operate so effectively.
“The combination of fishery owners with those who live and work locally as commissioners ensures a sound and representative organization, putting control firmly in the hands of those who have the biggest interest in the river.”
The years leading up to the formation of the commission and those following have been captured in a new book, “The Early Days of the River Tweed Commissioners” by Caroline Balfour, which was launched at the reception.
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