Dozens of people attended the annual March to the Don to mark the official launch of the salmon season in Inverurie.
The traditional piper-led procession started at the Kintore Arms and made its way down to the riverbank at Port Elphinstone on Saturday.
Aberdeenshire Provost Bill Howatson offered the official toast to the river – a symbolic gesture to keep the salmon in good health – and said it was a “privilege” to be invited to make the first cast.
He said: “The River Don is of great significance to the towns and villages that line its banks, as well as to Aberdeenshire as a whole.
“Not only is it an iconic stretch of water that passes through the stunning, wooded countryside in the valley of the Donside hills, it is also a key factor in the development of tourism in the area – as well as being the source of people’s livelihoods.
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“In celebrating the opening of the fishing season, we had the chance to acknowledge the quality of the river, of the fish in it and its local, national and international reputation.
“Making the first cast was a great privilege for me.”
Organised by the Inverurie Angling Association (IAA), the procession was led by their president, Steve Corsar, who is a champion fly angler.
Last night Mr Corsar said he was feeling “quietly optimistic” about this years’ fishing.
He said: “We had a very, very hot summer last year, which did not give much height to the river. Despite this we still had good numbers.
“So we are hoping for the best this year.
“We are hoping to encourage more youngsters into the sport and are offering free junior memberships to the club – we would like to see more people bringing their kids along.”
Fellow IAA member Steve Cruikshank said they were “really pleased” with the turn-out and added they were always on the lookout for new members.
The Rev Rhona Cathcart blessed the river and Dr Lorraine Hawkins, director of the Dee and Don District Fishery Boards also addressed the gathering.
