Renfrew residents to join in historic salmon fishing trip

Renfrew residents are being urged to join Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall in a historic trip down the Clyde to preserve the town’s fishing rights on the river.

A limited number of tickets are available for the historic fishing trip, which takes place on Friday 22 August.

Guests will join Renfrewshire’s civic leaders in carrying out the traditional act of casting the nets to retain the rights of salmon fishing on the Clyde.

Provost raises Commonwealth Flag outside Renfrewshire House

The custom goes back as far as 1781 when the town lost the right to the fishing on parts of the Clyde by not fishing in the area.

King Robert III had granted a charter to the community of Renfrew granting the right to fish the River Clyde as far back as 1396.

However Renfrew Town Council failed to keep the rights on parts of the river owned by Sir Michael Stewart because they hadn’t fished those areas for some years. From then on it became practise to maintain the rights by having the Provost, Baillies and Town Clerk put out the nets and haul them in every three years. The practise of casting of the nets is still carried on as a tradition.

Provost Hall said: “The historic salmon fishing is a significant tradition from the rich history of Renfrew. I’m delighted that this occasion is opened to all local residents, which is a great day out for everyone.

“Tickets are limited, so I’d encourage everyone to book early to ensure they can take part in this unique celebration of the town’s history.”

Tickets are available on a first-come-first-served basis by contacting the events team on towncentres@renfrewshire.gov.uk or 0141 618 6794.

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