Press Release
LOWER RIVER SPEY FORUM MEETS FOR THE FIRST TIME
14 November 2007
The Lower River Spey Forum met last month for the first time to discuss the future protection of the river and communities around it, as well as the economic and social opportunities it provides. The River Spey runs through the Fochabers estate, owned by The Crown Estate, who have established the forum to bring together interested parties from the local area.
Members include representatives of Lennox Community Council, the Spey Fisheries Board, Speymouth Angling Club, Garmouth and Kingston Golf Club, Moray Council, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, and Scottish Natural Heritage, and the first meeting was chaired by Toby Metcalfe from Smiths Gore, agents for The Crown Estate. During the meeting it was agreed that the Forestry Commission and the Scottish Wildlife Trust be invited to attend the forum in future. It was agreed that the forum will meet again in December.
Issues discussed at the meeting included erosion, flooding and fishing, and in particular the need to ensure that the work formerly carried out by netsmen on the river, such as the removal of fallen trees and other small but important repair jobs are dealt with.
Alan Laidlaw, Head of the Scotland Office, The Crown Estate, said: “The River Spey is of vital economic and environmental importance to communities all along its length. The forum’s purpose is to make sure everyone who has an interest in the Spey can come together and discuss how to work in partnership to protect and enhance the river and its environment.
“As local residents will know, there have been increasing problems with flooding and erosion around the Lower Spey in particular, and these are the main reasons we felt this forum was an essential step to ensure more co-ordinated action to protect both the river and the livelihoods of those who live and work around it.
“It’s early days, but the first meeting of the forum has shown that there is a willingness to work together by all parties for the future of the Lower River Spey and the benefit of the local community.”
Colin Murray, Lennox Community Council’s representative on the forum, said: “The Lennox Community Council is very pleased about the formation of the Lower Spey Forum and delighted with the representation made at the first meeting by the various agencies and individuals who are, and could be, affected by the continuous movements of the River Spey.
“We hope that the forum can remove any possible communication breakdowns between the agencies involved, and will benefit from an action plan that will allow swifter decision making when emergency maintenance or repair work is needed. Above all, we look forward to working together to develop a long term strategy that will allow this mighty river to flow unhindered. This will of course reduce the risk to all users, wildlife and property.”
Further Information
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