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The official opening ceremony for the salmon
fishing season on the River Tay is held in
Kenmore on January 15th each year. There has
been an opening party in Kenmore since the
turn of the century. The event always has
a good following. In 1998 there were over
300 people present as well as radio and TV
crews. The event was sponsored by Tennents.
Opening Ceremony
Festivities began at 9.00 am with a gathering
of rods in the square. A good few drams were
passed out so as to ensure that the day went
with a swing.
At 9.30 the piper then lead the procession
to the river bank.
The traditional blessing was then given by
casting a quaich of whisky over the boat.
This year the ceremony was conducted by Rob
Wainwright of Scotland Rugby Union fame.
Fishing
Rods were then invited to fish the Kenmore,
Point and Bolfracks Beats. To accommodate
the large number of rods on opening day, and
to give everyone a cast, fishing is according
to gentleman's rules. Rods are asked to leave
a good space between themselves and to take
two steps between casts, joining a pool at
the head.
Kenmore Trophy
The Kenmore Trophy is awarded to the angler
who takes the largest bag (greatest weight)
of salmon on the Opening Day anywhere on the
Tay System.
Evening Events
In the evening there was a firework display
outside the Kenmore Hotel, followed by a gala
dinner at the Kenmore Hotel attended by dignitaries,
celebrities and local folks celebrating in
the normal Scottish fashion!
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