I
Ian Cloke
Guest
ANGLERS on the River Nairn could find themselves in conflict on the upper reaches of the river with canoeists this season.
They claim Inverness Canoe Club president Steve Mackinnon is threatening the angling community after his club?s plans for a slalom course at Nairn harbour were jeopardised following concerns that the scheme could harm wildlife and fish stocks.
?The situation is really getting out of hand and basically what the canoeists are doing is retaliating because there has been opposition to their plans for the slalom course,? claimed the past president of Nairn Angling Association Charlie Black.
?Unfortunately there is little we can do to stop them because of recent legislation which gives canoeists the right to go on to any river.
?They have used the bottom stretch of the river before, which is not used by many anglers. But I have never seen them on to the upper reaches.
?I fear if this is going to be the response of the canoeists, when they don?t get their way, it could have a devastating effect on small rivers like the Nairn and the angling industry - which is one of the biggest contributors to the Scottish economy - will suffer.?
Mr Black?s comments come after councillors on Nairn Area Committee of Highland Council deferred an application by the canoe club for a grant of ?30,000 from its Highland 2007 budget for the slalom course.
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They claim Inverness Canoe Club president Steve Mackinnon is threatening the angling community after his club?s plans for a slalom course at Nairn harbour were jeopardised following concerns that the scheme could harm wildlife and fish stocks.
?The situation is really getting out of hand and basically what the canoeists are doing is retaliating because there has been opposition to their plans for the slalom course,? claimed the past president of Nairn Angling Association Charlie Black.
?Unfortunately there is little we can do to stop them because of recent legislation which gives canoeists the right to go on to any river.
?They have used the bottom stretch of the river before, which is not used by many anglers. But I have never seen them on to the upper reaches.
?I fear if this is going to be the response of the canoeists, when they don?t get their way, it could have a devastating effect on small rivers like the Nairn and the angling industry - which is one of the biggest contributors to the Scottish economy - will suffer.?
Mr Black?s comments come after councillors on Nairn Area Committee of Highland Council deferred an application by the canoe club for a grant of ?30,000 from its Highland 2007 budget for the slalom course.
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