A major project is to be carried out to highlight the social and economic potential of the River Creed on Lewis and its resources, and how this can be realised without detriment to the environment.

The Stornoway Angling Association Limited (SAAL), which has recently taken on a 21-year lease of the River catchment, has secured funding for the work. The Community Land Unit at Highlands and Islands Enterprise has approved a grant of £7,434, 80% of the total cost, and the remaining £1,859 will come from the Scottish Land Fund.

The River Creed catchment extends to 65Km2 on the East Coast of the Isle of Lewis, and includes a Salmon River and eight lochs.  The river has some of the most accessible and inexpensive salmon and trout fishing in Scotland, and SAAL wants to evaluate ways of upgrading its management regime. 

SAAL is to commission three consultants.  One will carry out a survey of the Creed's four dams and make recommendations for the future maintenance and development of these to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation.  Another will provide hatchery advice to address the problem of egg survival rates in the river, with the aim of improving its carrying capacity of juvenile stock.  And a third will produce a comprehensive business plan and a framework for monitoring progress.

John Watt, acting director of strengthening communities at HIE, said:  "With an estimated annual value of more than £5m, there is no doubting the importance of angling to the Western Isles economy.  We are very keen to support the positive steps that the Stornoway Angling Association is taking to continue to improve the prospects of the River Creed."