Renfrew residents joined Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron as she carried out the triennial casting of the nets to retain the town’s fishing rights on the River Clyde.
Residents watched from ashore as Provost Cameron travelled out on the Renfrew Ferry to the middle of the Clyde, where she carried out the traditional act of casting the nets.
Following this, guests were treated to a talk by marine biologist Dr William Yeomans in Renfrew Town Hall, and the premiere of a new film showcasing archive footage of the triennial celebration throughout history by local filmmaker Paul Russell.
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.
It has become practice to maintain the fishing rights by having the Provost cast the nets and haul them in every three years.
Provost Cameron said: “The casting of the nets is a key part of the town’s history and I’m proud to be able to keep the tradition alive for the people of Renfrew.
“In 2020 I had to carry out the casting myself due to the [COVID-19] restrictions in place at the time so it was lovely to be able to involve the local residents again this year.
“It was great to hear about the health of the salmon population on the Clyde and also view the archive footage of past events. Thank you to Paul and Dr Yeomans for their contributions. I hope everyone had a great afternoon and left having learned something new too.”
Photo: Provost Cameron was joined by Renfrew residents to mark the occasion
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Residents watched from the shore as Provost Cameron carried out the traditional casting of the nets from the Renfrew Ferry
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council