Scottish salmon and trout fisheries boards reviewed

The boards manage fisheries on rivers and lochs and aim to protect wild fish

The Scottish government plans to review the make up of fisheries boards with the aim of making them more democratic and accountable.

Environment Minister Richard Lochhead told the Scottish Parliament that many boards had made improvements.

However, he said some salmon and trout boards remained in need of change.

Scotland has 41 district boards representing and co-ordinating salmon and sea trout fisheries, as well as protecting and preserving fish.

Mr Lochhead said: "I think we all agree that there have been some improvements to the composition of fisheries boards in recent years.

"But it still remains the case, and I think a number of them would accept this themselves, that their structures do remain outmoded and need structures that are fit for purpose in the 21st Century."

Mr Lochhead said the review had been part of the SNP's election manifesto.