Recent news from Loch Leven suggests that this famous loch is recovering from past difficulties. The reasons for this might be the continuing improvement in water quality and the decision to allow the loch to revert to being a natural brown trout fishery.

There are lessons to be learnt here for other Scottish fisheries, particularly in the west highlands where fish farm disease and pollution has played havoc with wild stocks. The message is clear: take care of the environment and the fish will take care of themselves.

For instance, in the late 1980s, research showed that when fish farms in the Laxford Basin in north west Sutherland were fallowed, greater numbers of wild fish returned to the river and to lochs Stack and More. When the cages were re-stocked, numbers declined. The little River Polla in north Sutherland evidenced a similar condition. When sea cages in Loch Eriboll were empty, salmon and sea trout immediately returned to the river, but when the cages were re-stocked the numbers collapsed.

Perhaps most significantly, this link between fish farm activity and returning wild fish has been widely reflected in Orkney. Following a 50% reduction in fish farming, sea trout almost immediately returned, around Scapa Flow and Hoy, which were once noted for the excellence of sea trout fishing from the shore.

If we could only give these species the chance they deserve to go about their natural business without interference, then I am certain that within a short space of time wild salmonid stocks would recover and prosper, to the benefit of all.