Big crowds are expected in Inverness as Scotland’s Salmon Festival continues over the next three days.
The growing biennial event, which kicked off on Tuesday, celebrates the Atlantic salmon and its importance to Scotland.
It features a Speycasting tournament, family fair, film night, science conference and public lectures with a focus on non-native salmon.
Increasing numbers of pink “humpback” salmon have been spotted in Scottish rivers.
The festival is also a chance to learn about research and the role of city’s Rivers and Lochs Institute in shaping conservation.
Melanie Smith a festival organiser and head of research development at Inverness College UHI, said: “The event is aimed at building greater awareness of the Atlantic salmon, its life cycle, cultural and economic importance to Scotland and the pressures it currently faces.
“With the increasing numbers of non-native pink salmon in local rivers, our conference will also highlight the need to investigate the potential challenge this presents for the native Atlantic salmon.”
She said the event “recognises the importance of protecting and enhancing our wild salmon, together with the benefits that an environmentally sustainable and competitive salmon farming industry can bring.”
A family fair, in Bught Park tomorrow and Saturday, will include cookery demonstrations by leading chefs, a crafts exhibition and children’s activities.
An international science conference at the college will hear from industry speakers providing an academic insight into the iconic species.
Highlights include a talk by Professor Eric Verspoor, director of the city’s Rivers and Lochs Institute, who will speak about non-native species with a presentation entitled “Evil invaders or welcome immigrants.”
Inverness Angling Club will host a centenary Speycasting tournament on the banks of the River Ness tomorrow and on Saturday involving 26 anglers from Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Norwasy and the USA.
