http://www.rivergarry.com/usage/

River Garry

It would contribute more if cavecanum would give their point of view rather than just point to web pages. However had a quick scan of Paul Williamsons bit on the Garry that he refers to. I won't respond to all the history bit because it is a very selective view of the past. A few points do need clarification.

I first paddled the Garry over 20 years ago and it was a popular river then so paddling goes back somewhat over 8 years.

An agreement was put forward between Paul Williamson with parties in the SCA and even approved at Council level. However common sense and SCA democracy took over and it was never signed. There never was an agreement. Thanks I suspect to Mary Connacher. Certainly Mary was one of a long list of SCA folk Paul would not talk to. Of course Paul is upset he never got his agreement. It would, I gather, have limited paddling to after 6pm on a Tuesday and never below White Bridge. I quite understand why he was upset. However there never was an agreement 8 years ago and that failure to agree is now history. No wishing will make it happen. We need to move on and find new solutions for the overall benefit.

There is a traditional right of access to coastal and inland water in Scotland - this includes the Garry. This traditional right is now being supported in the newly agreed Access Code. The Access Code provides the basis for mutual understanding and agreement on access issues. The code clearly outlines behaviour for paddlers, anglers and land managers. There is a clear duty for paddlers to behave responsibly toward fishermen and the SCA welcomes this. Equally fishermen and land managers need to recognise and respect the rights of paddlers to be on the river and for land managers to facilitate access. The current practice where "The Garry operates a semi random release to limit numbers" of canoeists for example would appear to be not permited under the legislation.

I for one am keen that the situation on the Garry improves. It is a beautiful highland river - though the river environment is decidedly below par for what should be a jewel in the Highlands. See http://www.scot-canoe.org/access/enviroaud.../rivergarry.htm where a SEPA approved environmental audit process identified the Garry as "moderately degraded"

The Access Code provides the legal basis for establishing a good working relationship on the Garry. I would welcome a meeting between the SCA and the estate, Forestry Commission, Highland Council and the Hydro to see what contribution each agency can make using the Access Code as a base. As Paul outlines in his web pages it would greatly benefit the local economy as well as paddlers as a whole. The Garry is a gem of a river, of international status. Better understanding and respect would benefit all.

John Picken
National Access Co ordinator