Tay river rafting ban suspended

Anglers called for the restriction to protect historic fishing grounds

A decision to restrict rafters on part of a Perthshire river, amid a row with fishermen, has been suspended following a review of the case.

Anglers and landowners succeeded in a legal bid to restrict commercial rafting on a stretch of the River Tay.

But the original decision, made at Perth Sheriff Court, has now been recalled and the case will he heard again in April.

Parts of the Upper Tay are seen as Scotland's top salmon fishing spots.

In what was seen as a landmark ruling at the time, the original action, brought by landowners and Aberfeldy Angling Club, resulted in a rafting ban every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during the salmon season.

The group argued commercial rafting was ruining once lucrative fishing grounds.

However, following a complaint from one of the rafting operators, Perth Sheriff Principal Alastair Dunlop recalled the decision, giving the two sides time to look again at the original claim before the case calls again at court.

He accepted concerns that the rafters had not been fully aware of the court action, and has given them an opportunity to state their case.

The writ to restrict rafting was drawn up under the Land Reform Act, and was served on Perth and Kinross Council.