Tay Salmon

This 'salmon' is made of metal and forms part of the design of the grill that fits one of the little window of the fishing hut on the Dunkeld House stretch of the Middle Tay. It is actually black and shiny, but by choosing an acute angle I've picked up the beautiful reflections of the river and trees in the metal and glass.

In the early months Spring salmon enter the river, in smaller numbers these days, and head for Loch Tay and the Tay subsidiary rivers Dochart, Lyon & Lochay. The padlock also signifies that the fishing season is now closed. However, come the new year you can see the boats on the water just below Dunkeld's Old Tay Bridge (pictured yesterday). The beat has 14 named pools, with fishing available on both banks. Water conditions permitting, two boats and two ghillies work the beat. It can cost anything from £30 to £130 a day! Salmon fishing makes a significant contribution to the Scottish economy.

PS When talking to the chaps treating the cabin to a coat of preservative a day or two after blipping this, I found out that one was the farrier who had forged the black metal salmon motifs. Jim Ferrie and his brother Alan are known internationally for their skills. Find out more at their website.