Monday 22nd October : Everyone out in the morning to count their sections for the Goosander and Cormorant October count. River appallingly low - saw rocks I had never seen before and instead of the usual two detours inland to get past waterside cliffs, was able to walk beneath them. In the afternoon, a six-monthly liaison meeting with our colleagues from the Galloway Fisheries Trust, who wanted to look at our VAKI counters and discuss their operation.

Tuesday 23rd October : In the office all day, getting on with the Management Manual.

Wednesday 24th October : On leave, to fish at Traquair with James. Caught a nice 12lb hen while the river still covered by the mist (very cold). In good condition, still a bit of silver on it - recovered very quickly when put back. Once the sun broke through, however, conditions very difficult, low and very clear and nothing more. Saw a good many fish move though.

Thursday 25th October : In the office all day, preparing a talk for next week's Biologists AGM at Pitlochry. On management plan structure.

Friday 26th October : Weekly staff meeting in the morning, followed by another meeting about the RTC & Tweed Foundation response to the Strategic Framework for Scottish Fisheries consultation document. In the afternoon, finished my talks for the SFCC meeting next week. A lot of meetings coming up - and still got to do a talk for the ART meeting on the 9th November. Hear that fish being caught at the bottom of the river have long-tailed Sea-lice on them, so fresh fish coming in - but no river for them to run. Hope the rain forecast this weekend happens.