The 2024 season on the River Helmsdale is now officially open after Suisgill Estate ghillie Donald Sutherland made the ceremonial first cast this morning.

Accompanied by Michael Wigan, manager of Helmsdale District Salmon Fishery Board, Mr Sutherland marched in front of Sutherland Schools Pipe Band, down Dunrobin Street to the roundabout in front of the Bridge Guest House.

Also in the procession were pupils from Helmsdale Primary School waving banners they had made with salmon on them.

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