Earlier this week the Ness Team attended this year’s Annual Bailiff Seminar hosted by the Aryshire Rivers Trust and Ayr District salmon Fishery Board.
The first day of the seminar was held today in the Fenwick Hotel. Over 70 Water Bailiffs from across the country were in attendance, with representatives from as far north as the Northern Board and as far south as the Tweed Commission. Following an interesting and thought provoking introduction to the key issues in the area, delegates headed out for a trip to Catrine Dam.
Delegates visiting Catrine Dam to discuss past and present issues.
Following a debrief on our return to the hotel, 23 new Water Bailiffs sat their Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM) examinations (with a further 10 at different venues across the country). No Bailiff is issued with a Warrant of Appointment until they have demonstrated their competency by successfully passing this exam. The exam was followed by the IFM Annual General Meeting and a formal dinner.
The second day of the visit started with a practical Hostile Situations Training demonstration by Niton Training Limited. This was followed by visits to Laigh Milton Mill on the Irvine and then to Black Rocks. These two notorious sites illustrate some of the problems we have faced in Ayrshire and how the local team have attempted to reduce poaching opportunities.
The graffiti on the wall a Laigh Milton Mill offered an ideal location for impromptu conference photo shoot.
We found the event extremely interesting and informative and would like to thank this year’s hosts. More information can be found at the Ayshires River Trust website or Facebook page.