HC Deb 14 March 1973 vol 852 cc348-9W
Mr. Maclennan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland over which inland waters including rivers and lochs he owns the fishing rights as riparian owner in Caithness and Sutherland; if it is his intention to seek to sell these rights; and if he will make a statement about his intention regarding the development of these fishings and ensuring public access to them.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

There are fishing rights on the following crofting estates in Caithness and Sutherland in my ownership:

Caithness

  • Dunn and Scarmclate.
  • Forss.
  • Hoy and Braal.
  • Lochend.
  • Stempster.
  • Upper Dounreay.
  • West Murkle.
  • West Watten.

Sutherland

  • Armadale.
  • Borgie.
  • Syre.
  • Keoldale.

Apart from my proposals for crofting reform, I have no plans for the sale of the land to which these fishing rights pertain. On six of the estates there are 14 tenancies affecting the inland water fishings. These include lets to angling associations, a sports and social club and a number of hotel and guest house proprietors. A permit system is also operated for the benefit of the general public on a river on one of the estates during part of the fishing season. The fishings on the other six estates are of small value.

I have also let the fishing rights on Loch Craggie, Loch Shin and the River Shin of which I am riparian owner following the acquisition of land for afforestation. I have no plans to sell these rights.