Renfrew residents are being encouraged to join Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron as she carries out the traditional act of casting the nets to maintain Renfrew’s salmon fishing rights on the River Clyde.
Taking place on Friday 28 August, several small boats will set sail from the pier at Braehead at 1pm and travel down the Clyde where Renfrewshire’s civic head will carry out the traditional act of casting the nets. This will be the first time residents are able to join Provost Cameron on the water since 2017.
Residents can then join Provost Cameron at Renfrew Town Hall for afternoon tea and a showing of a specially commissioned film covering the history of salmon fishing on the Clyde, created by local filmmaker Paul Russell.
Provost Cameron said: “Casting the nets is a longstanding tradition and a unique part of Renfrew’s heritage. It was important to me that the town’s historic fishing rights were preserved over recent years, even as we faced challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“While I travelled out alone to cast the nets in 2020 and 2023, I’m delighted that residents will be able to join me on the river once again this year.
“Places on the boats are limited, so if you’re a Renfrew resident, make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate this special part of the town’s history.”
King Robert III granted a charter to the community of Renfrew detailing the right to fish the River Clyde as far back as 1396, with a subsequent charter, confirming the right to fish, granted by Queen Anne in 1703.
However Renfrew Town Council failed to keep the rights on parts of the river owned by Sir Michael Stewart because they hadn’t fished those areas for some years.
Since the rights were restored, it has become practice to maintain them by having the Provost cast the nets and haul them in every three years.
Tickets are limited to Renfrew residents only and can be applied for on a first come, first served basis via email at civicevents@renfrewshire.gov.uk. Please specify whether you wish a place on a boat or just to attend the event at Renfrew Town Hall.