Former Aberdeen and Scotland manager Craig Brown will bless the Deveron river next week to officially open the 2015 salmon season.
Anglers are expected to turn out in force on Wednesday for the ceremony, led by the retired Pittodrie boss.
Mr Brown CBE, 74, will toast the anglers with a dram of 25-year-old Glen Deveron whisky, and present the historic Morrison Trophy to fisherman Adam Woodward, who hooked a 22lb salmon last season.
Last night Richie Miller, senior biologist for the Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust, said: “It’s been a long winter, and it’s great to get the river open.
“The last two years have been challenging to say the least but it’s not all doom and gloom. We had five record seasons before that, and the Tweed and Dee are off to reasonable starts this year so it bodes well.”
He added: “Getting Craig Brown along is a real bonus for the event.”
The presentation of the Morrison Trophy – believed to be the most valuable angling ornament in Britain – dates back to 1924 when Clementina Morison landed a record-breaking 61lb salmon from the Deveron.
Mr Woodward claimed the trophy for his fly-caught specimen from Marnoch Lodge in the middle Deveron.
The Bromsgrove man will also be presented with a Vision salmon fly-rod, sponsored by Turriff Tackle and Trophies, for releasing the fish, as well as a limited edition limited edition fly box and bottle of William Lawson’s Scotch Whisky courtesy of John Dewars & Sons Ltd.
The opening ceremony will also mark the start of collaboration between the Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust and the Aberdeen FC Community Trust.
The two organisations will work together to provide assistance with schemes, such as positive activities and learning initiatives in the community.