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| Salmon and trout from Strath Shinary |
It's been an interesting couple of weeks, although things are starting to quieten down as we move out of the field season. The electrofishing surveys are now finished for the year. We didn't go into the Hope as the changes to the burns were just too extreme for continuity but that was our only failure so not bad for the season really. Must be one of the few where conditions were good for such a long time. However there has definitely been a change in the last couple of days with a real nip in the air now.
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| A net full of fish at the Polla |
Sweep netting is also finished for the year. Rain has resulted in high river flows and, not really wanting to see the Minch first hand, we took the decision to cancel the final nettings. It has been a good year with few cancellations, good numbers of well conditioned fish and few lice. We've also had a lot of recaptures which always adds to the excitement. A massive 'Thank you' to our volunteers for all their help over the year and for making it such an enjoyable job.
We had a productive meeting with the Highland Council Roads Department and SEPA to discuss the repairs needed to the road along the banks of Loch Hope. This valley took a real pounding from Bertha in August and the road has been pretty badly damaged. There are 3 bridges that need repaired or protected and really there's no argument about the need for any of the work. We discussed the timing of the works and the preferred methods used so that the fish suffer the least possible interference.
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| You could walk under this bridge before! |
In one instance over a metre of material will have to be dug out from under the bridge in order to protect it during the next spate. This will also have to involve the restructuring of the burn to re-instate a natural gradient when this material is removed. These works were scheduled to be the first undertaken, in order to reduce the potential of another spate and also to minimise disturbance to spawning fish, both within and below the burn.
Another bridge needs the foundations replaced - probably the lowest priority piece of work on this stretch. The bypass channel will remain in place and the bridge sorted next summer. It will be a good opportunity to tweak the apron at the same time and make it even more fish friendly!
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| The bridge top sits at a jaunty angle! |
The most interesting from a 'how on earth?' perspective is going to be the replacement of the most northerly bridge. Here one pillar was washed out and the bridge top is at an angle in the water. The plan to retrieve the bridge top, rebuild the support and then replace the existing bridge top is going to be worthy of 'Monster Moves'!
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| Debris has been deposited aver a large area |
This is going to be an interesting challenge for the guys on the ground, but it will be good to see the bridge back in its place. Although there was a large amount of debris brought down, and the footprint is massive, the river itself is still relatively narrow and will fit nicely through the old structure. This has middle priority, although the bridge top should be out of the water by now - or very soon if not. It's removal will stop it being damaged further, and allow the river to flow freely and stop scouring in the pool below the bridge.
Last week we also attended the Moray Firth Trout Initiative 'All about trout' day in Inverness. This was a really enjoyable day with some excellent speakers. It covered all things trouty, from sea trout to brown trout and ferox trout, together with river management and fish research. A good opportunity to learn a lot, but also the chance to undertake a fair amount of networking and brain storming. We're definitely looking forward to next year.
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| One of the many falls on the Achriesgill |
Kate has spent the summer looking at rivers and is producing 2 catchment management plans - Loch na Thull and Achriesgill. She had a really productive time this year, again helped by the weather, and is another step closer in our Fisheries Management Plan. The catchment management plans provide advice to the managers on the issues of importance to the fish populations and suggests ways to improve the habitat if required. When these are completed they will be sent to the proprietors.
The 2014 quiz 'Fishy business around Sutherland' has finished.
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| Part of the WSFT pack |
Available from numerous locations throughout the area, this was a challenge to the mind. Completed sheets sent to the office were marked and the winner identified. Congratulations to Mrs MacKay on her win of a WSFT pack. Despite not getting all the answers it was definitely worth sending it in and we hope she finds the pack useful. Another quiz will be developed for the 2015 fishing season.
Moving into the winter season, it will be a chance to catch up on all the little things, as well as getting the reports written. While that's the first job, we'll also be out looking at spawning fish and hopefully getting some more filming completed as well as. The cameraman will not be as competent as last year, but we'll try!!
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| A bronze sculpture within the Auction |
The auction will also be finishing on the 27th November and the winning bidders notified and their purchases sent. There's still time to get that Christmas present with a difference - from limited edition sculptures, through a range of unique fishing and shooting experiences, to fishing equipment and bottles of whisky or wine. Just visit the site, register and place your bid. http://www.melandphil.com/geo/index.php
The Trust AGM is to be held on the 10th November 2014 in Scourie Village Hall. Starting at 12.00 it will feature a short presentation on the work of the Trust. If you're free and in the area then please come along.
The office could also do with a going over and the sorting out of papers and reports is long over due. This will take a good overhaul and get us ship shape for any changes resulting from the Wild Fisheries Review. Will we have the time?
