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Tay (Stanley) Most paddlers in Scotland must be aware by now of the access problems on the Stanley stretch of the Tay. The owner of the Burnmouth fishing beat at the get-in is generally very antagonistic towards paddlers and over the past few years there have been several "incidents" both on and off the water and the car-parking area greatly reduced. Sometimes there has been a chain + padlock put round the wooden gate to the right of the main gate and barbed wire on the top of the main gate, which appears to interfere with rafting activities as well. You can just about squeeze round the top of fence, but again there is barbed wire to be watched out for. The gate way into the fishing centre has also been narrowed, potentially making the turning of minibus hard. You have a right to paddle both up and downstream of the get in at Stanley, and to carry your boat from the end of Linn Road to the river. If challenged you should calmly state this.You do not have to give any information about yourself to anyone. If you experience any aggression (verbal or physical) report it to the Perth police control room on 01738 621141. Please make sure any incidents are reported. If you have to park in Linn Road, or Stanley village please do so with consideration for local residents, and drive carefully down Linn Road. Try to use local businesses (e.g Spar shop, chippy, pub) - make people realise that paddlers put money into the area. The SCA have met with each of the local residents in the houses at Burnmouth. There is clearly some mixed feelings amongst local residents with sympathy for both paddlers and Mike Smith. This is an understandable reality. It was very clear that the behaviour of paddlers is very important and one incident is used to tarnish the good reputation of all. The better the image we create the better our position will be. Please be considerate, especially when driving, parking, changing, and turning. Don't leave litter and use the loos in the village, rather than land at the get-in.Be polite and friendly - it will help us all! Over the last couple of years there have been various engineering work carried out or proposed on this stretch of river. The SCA been active in assessing the effect of these on paddlers, and making Perth and Kinross council aware of paddler's views. The
latest proposal was to alter the central channel of the weir as
part of a hydro scheme at Stanley Mill. Perth & Kinross council
have decided to refuse this. The council refused the planning application for the alterations to the weir on 8th March 04 for the following reasons: 1. The proposal would result in an increase in water levels upstream of the weir, with the potential to alter sediment movements and flow levels downstream. The applicant has failed to demonstrate that there would be no consequential environmental impacts, in particular flood risk, pollution, and deterioration in ecological status. 2. The proposal would increase the level of threat to this cSAC (candidate Special Area of Conservation) in respect of migrating salmon, and in all likelihood lamprey, otter, and vegetation associated with Oligomesotrophic standing waters. 3. The proposal would result in waterway users having to navigate a less safe breach in the weir, to the detriment of their safety, and their amenity in general. 4. In light of the above, the proposal must be considered as contrary to Policy 19 (Nature Conservation) of the adopted Perth Area Local Plan (as altered) which states consent will not be granted for development of such sites. In view of the history of this site it is important that you let the SCA Access Officer know if you encounter any changes to access at this site, or spot any new engineering work or planning notifications. Alan Stewart who is the police Wild Life and Environment Officer would like to know of any work (e.g use of diggers) which could damage fresh water pearl mussles.
Because of low water levels and good fishing this season paddlers and anglers on the Lower Tay are being asked by Perth and Kinross council's Access Officer to show extra consideration for each other until the end of the fishing season on 31st April 2004.The SCA is very keen to work in partnership with those who have fishing interests at Stanley, to help ensure that the variety of river users who value this section of river can enjoy their respective sports without causing unnecessary disturbance to others. Co-operate with anglers to avoid their lines; do not linger in pools that are being fished and when close to anglers keep noise and other disturbance to a minimum. Contributed
by SCA |
