Call for Tay rafting ban

Anglers on the Tay are calling for the introduction of a bylaw which would ban white water rafters from the famous river.

There has been a six-year dispute between commercial rafting companies and fishing beat owners on a stretch of the river between Aberfeldy and Grandtully.

Before the implementation of the Land Reform Act there had been a voluntary agreement to restrict commercial rafting on the Upper Tay. But the rafting companies, whose activity disturbs fish, have stopped abiding by the agreement.

Tay District Salmon Fishing Board is now requesting Perth and Kinross Council to introduce a bylaw restricting rafting.

It claims the number of rafts going down-river makes it impossible for fishermen to enjoy their sport - and is calling for a number of days to be set aside each week for the exclusive use of the river by anglers.

The request will be considered at next Wednesday's meeting of the council's community safety committee.

Councillor Elspeth Maclachlan, committee vice-convener, said yesterday: "For a bylaw to be considered the council would have to be convinced that the nuisance merits criminal sanctions".