The Opening - and home cooking


I know I said no more snow scenes, but I needed a wintry shot of the River Spey. The salmon fishing season on the river opened on 11 February. Opening ceremonies mark the start of the season on the major rivers of Scotland. A report of the ceremony on the Spey said "The other 3 major rivers, namely, Tweed, Tay and Dee had been opened by a variety of politicians and comedians, therefore the Spey, not to be outdone, had a combination of both in MSP Richard Lochhead." [MSP = Member of Scottish Parliament]. I can't find anything on the internet about Mr Lochhead pursuing an amateur interest in stand-up comedy, so I assume this is an 'affectionate' tribute. Perhaps it refers to the fact that the political comedian poured a whole bottle of Glenfarclas Single Malt whisky into its waters as a good luck libation. You can see some of the obviously chilly event here.

And the home cooking? The villages along the banks of the Spey have angling associations, through which residents and visitors can fish on certain stretches of the river for very reasonable rates compared to the most famous beats where prices are astronomical. The custom in the Aberlour Angling Club is to donate the first salmon of the season to the Fleming Cottage Hospital. So it was that my father enjoyed freshly caught salmon for his evening meal on 11 February.

Comments

  1. I don't think you can help but show snow scenes since its snowing right now. Very nice shot though Linda, thanks for sharing:)

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  2. Okay, that looks FREEZING!!! lol and in the US, we KNOW politics and comedy go hand in hand.....lol. I bet your father enjoyed that salmon....LOVE salmon! Have a wonderful weekend!!!

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  3. I hope that the gods were appeased with their gift of whiskey and gave as many of the fish up as they could.

    (hope your Dad is in good spirits)

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  4. Your blog is such a welcome window to Scotland for me. I read every post with great interest, and always learn something. Beautiful photo.

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  5. A very chilly but beautiful shot of the Spey Linda. I bet your Dad enjoyed the fresh wild salmon

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  6. Very nice image and interesting post ;)

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  7. An icey river, the salmon must be extra tastey this year. I'd love to be there to throw in a line.

    How much snow has fallen? Have you matched our record of last year--over 9 feet when then stopped recording.

    I love it, especially when ya can't get out of the driveway and are forced to stay home!!

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  8. Hi,
    Please come by my blog and pick up your Beautiful Blogger Award.
    Love,
    Herrad

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  9. The beauty of the photo is stunning! The composition is outstanding.
    I'm glad your dad got to fry? a fresh fish.

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  10. I have never heard about opening rivers but maybe the politicians need all the photo opportunities that life can provide.

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