News In Focus
30 August 2010
Scots anglers challenge English regulation of Esk
Two anglers are set to mount a legal challenge against charges of catching fish in a Scottish tributary of the River Esk without an English rod license. Although the Esk rises in Dumfries and Galloway, it eventually crosses the English Border. During devolution, it was decided administration for the entire river should fall to the English Environment Agency, while responsibility for the River Tweed – which also crosses the border - was given to the Scottish Parliament.
Ross Blaikie, 31, and Brian Scott, 45, pleaded not guilty to the charges at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, promising to bring to a head years of dissatisfaction with the 2005 imposition of a £70 English rod license for Scottish anglers wishing to fish the Esk.
Sheriff Kevin Drummond commented the case would test legislation brought in by the Environment Agency regarding the River Esk and fixed a trial for 10 September.
Peter Reith, secretary of The Federation of Border Angling Associations, commented: "I have a certain sympathy for the two men. Just because the English Environment agency are entitled to impose a rod licence for people fishing on the River Esk, does not mean that it is a good idea political decision to follow it through."”