Final arrangements have been confirmed for Inverness Angling Club’s River Ness opening day celebrations on Monday, February 1. All anglers – members, visitors and their guests – will be given a warm welcome to the Mill Stream Pool at 10.30 for 11 am on the day.

Please use the Anglers’ Car Park nearest the river (follow the signs) and then gather in the main car park from which piper Ken Watson of the Northern Constabulary Pipe Band will lead the gathering to the river. After a welcome from club president Mike Campbell, Holm Mills manager Neil Soutar, who is kindly sponsoring the event, will declare the season open in the traditional manner – a dram for the river followed by drams for those present! Free bacon butties, tea and coffee will then be provided in the Ghillie’s Restaurant in the main building of Holm Mills.

The club is looking forward to another successful season, at least matching the 2009 catch of over 350 salmon and grilse. All salmon and grilse must be returned prior to June 1. Thereafter, the club is again encouraging members and visitors to release at least 50 per cent of their catch up to the end of the season on October 15.