River group reels in deal with SNH

SCOTLAND’S river trusts and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) have signed a historic agreement to improve river fisheries and the conservation of fish species.

The ground-breaking accord between the agency and the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (Rafts) was signed at a joint conference at the Battleby Centre in Perth.

A spokesman for Rafts said: “The joint statement re-affirms each organisation’s appreciation of the other’s interests, recognises the benefits of the public and private sectors forming strong and effective partnerships and details arrangements for future liaison and co-operation.

“It recognises that Rafts’ research, advice and capacity to co-ordinate and deliver projects is now well proven and that fishery trusts are set to play an increasingly important role in securing the future of Scotland’s rivers and lochs.”

Andrew Wallace, the chairman of Rafts, said: “This document enshrines these aspirations and the need, in difficult economic times, for the public sector and third sector to work in a smarter, more effective way. With several strong existing partnership programmes already under way, we can look forward to developing this relationship with confidence and optimism.”