STIRLING’s salmon fishing season will officially open at Callander’s River Teith this weekend.

The launch event begins at 9.15am this Saturday, February 1.

A piper-led parade of anglers, armoured with fishing rods, leaves Ancaster Square and the river will then be officially opened by Team GB para snowsport athlete Andrew McLeod, who grew up in Stirling.

Scott Mason, Stirling Council Fisheries Officer, said: “The opening of a new salmon fishing season is always an exciting time and we always receive fantastic support from the local Callander community, anglers from across the country and all the organisations who turn out to support us.

“It is great news that an inspiring local figure such as Andrew Mcleod will be opening the river this year.

“Despite the challenges he has faced in his life through losing his leg, he has not let this get him down, and he has pushed himself to be as active as possible, while championing the outdoors and getting youngsters involved in outdoor sports.”

Stirling Councillors have approved a continued freeze on permit prices, offering residents and visitors to Stirling some of the best value salmon fishing in the UK.

Anglers can fish for nine months for just £200, while youths up to the age of 21 can now fish the whole season for £15. Up to the age of 12, youths are also welcome to fish for free with a paying adult on a catch and release basis.