Loch Ken – Fishing Rights & Access UPDATE!

As Chairman of the SCFA, on Thursday 26th February, I attended a very positive and productive meeting with Drax, aimed at addressing concerns raised by the angling community regarding fishing on Loch Ken and to ascertain Drax’s position on the matter.  Representatives of the Loch Ken Trust were also at the meeting to understand the potential impact on its members and the wider public.

The Drax representatives explained that they were having to manage an increase in anti-social behaviour including littering, vandalism, indiscriminate campfires, and the frequent use of illegal fishing methods. They stated that it was not their intention to prohibit fishing on Loch Ken, but to try and encourage responsibly managed fishing on the loch. Drax also reiterated that there has been no change to arrangements for fishing at locations where leases or agreements are already in place between Drax and landowners, businesses, or clubs.

While Drax own much of the land around the loch shoreline, some fishing rights have been historically retained by certain landowners or have been subsequently leased to third parties. Drax is currently gathering this information on those fishing rights with a view to producing a map outlining where fishing can be legally undertaken. This work is well underway but will require further consultation with landowners and other stakeholders.

Drax have committed to continuing engagement with us as they work through this process.  I will provide updates as soon as I have anything further to report.

Tight Lines,

Gus Brindle

Chairman

Tags: Access, Loch Ken, Policy