Renowned conservationist and ex-Undertones frontman Feargal Sharkey has given an impassioned plea to save the Atlantic salmon before it is too late.

And he told the packed audience at Boat of Garten Community Hall that if he was in charge of Scotland he would make the fish the country’s national emblem.

The music legend was speaking at the official launch of The Spey Catchment Initiative (SCI) as a registered charity and proved to be a charming and eloquent special guest.

Mr Sharkey, who had flown up from London and stayed at the Boat Hotel in Boat of Garten on May 17, gave an exclusive interview to Highland News & Media, publisher of the Northern Times, ahead of his address.

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