New fishing fees agreed

VISITING anglers can now fish in the River Nith at a cheaper cost after councillors agreed to change the permit pricing structure for the year ahead. It is hoped that the move will attract more fishermen to the region and generate more income for Dumfries and Galloway Council, writes Marc McLean. The Dumfries Common Good sub committee members last week opted to introduce a new simplified, fairer pricing system. It means the same permits for local anglers and visitors, rather than separate pricing categories. Daily permits will cost £38 for adults and £3.80 for juniors, or £167/£16.70 per season, as well as Easy Access concessions or £19 per day and £83.50 per season. The fishing season opens on February 25, with the salmon season closing on 30 November this year. Lochar Councillor Ivor Hyslop said: “There was anecdotal evidence that fishermen – or most people – prefer a simplified pricing structure. “If it attracts more visitors, it’s beneficial to us and will bring in more money.” Nith Councillor Malcolm Johnstone added: “We’ll get the chance to look at this again next year and we can monitor the impact of moving to the simpler structure.