In
1807, Parliament passed the legislation which formed the River Tweed
Commissioners, now the River Tweed Commission. The moving force behind this was
John Southey, 15th Lord Somerville, who lived at Pavilion,
On
September 3rd at Abbotsford, Galashiels, the seat of Sir Walter Scott
and 200 years later, the Commissioners celebrated their bicentenary. The
Commissioners met in the library at Abbotsford and after the meeting hosted a
reception and luncheon at which the Commissioners were joined by circa 75 invited
guests including MPs, MSPs, Councillors and others involved in fisheries
management from through the United Kingdom. They were addressed by the Chairman
of the Commission,
Nick
Yonge, Clerk to the Commission, said “The Commission is probably the oldest
fisheries management organisation in the world. The efficiency of its structure
is widely recognised and it is the breadth and experience of the Commissioners
which enable it to operate so effectively. The combination of fishery owners
with those who live and work locally as Commissioners ensures a sound and
representative organisation putting control firmly in the hands of those who
have the biggest interest in the River. Whilst the early days of the Commission
were preoccupied with controlling the anarchy that existed amongst those who
sought pillage salmon stocks, the Commission today not only controls illegal
fishing but is as much concerned with education, conservation and good
biological custody of the River to deliver the best 21st century
fisheries management.”
Photographs
of the day can be seen by following the “Photos” link in the left menu http://news.rivertweed.org.uk/blog/Photos/RTCbicentenarySeptember3rd2007
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