Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch recently visited Drimsallie Hatchery, near Glenfinnan, which was set up 20 years ago to address the decline of wild salmon and sea trout in Lochaber.

It is run by the River Lochy Association (the owning syndicate on the River Lochy) on a not for profit basis and currently attracts contributions from a wide range of stakeholders. The hatchery is managed by full time Fisheries Restoration Manager, Jon Gibb, who Dave was delighted to meet (as pictured) on his recent visit.

Over the years it has delivered restoration programmes for nine separate river systems in Lochaber.

Mr Thompson said, “My visit to Drimsallie Hatchery in Lochaber was very useful and interesting.

“It was great to meet Jon who informed me that Salmon of up to 22lbs have been recorded and this year has seen the best return of spring fish from the programme so far.

“Based on early successes, there are plans to expand the programme further and Jon hopes to soon be working with Marine Scotland Science to formally monitor the project’s success.

“I wish the Hatchery and Jon in particular all the best for further improved rates of adult salmon and every success going forward”.