Memories from the Tweed: Last Year’s Charity Fishing Event in Kelso

Memories from the Tweed: Last Year’s Charity Fishing Event in Kelso

Date: Saturday, 20 July 2024

Location: Junction Pool, River Tweed, Kelso

Last summer’s charity fishing event on the Tweed is still vivid in my mind. Kelso was alive with anglers from across Scotland, gathered not just for the chance of salmon but to raise funds for the Borders Children’s Hospice. The meeting point was the famous Junction Pool, where the Teviot meets the Tweed, one of the most storied beats in Europe.

I was paired with Andrew Douglas, a ghillie whose family has worked the river for generations. His easy manner and sharp eye put me at ease as we stepped down to the water just after eight. The morning was warm but overcast, perfect for a cast, with the church bells of Kelso Abbey ringing faintly in the background.

By mid-morning the banks were buzzing with camaraderie. James Rutherford from Galashiels had already landed a grilse of around six pounds on a small Cascade, drawing cheers from the gathered crowd. Further upstream, I heard that Margaret Brown of Selkirk, one of only a handful of women fishing that day, hooked and lost a fish after a ten-minute battle.

The highlight of the day came after lunch when the junior competition was held. Watching a dozen youngsters line up along the Teviot stretch, rods in hand, reminded everyone why events like this matter. Twelve-year-old Calum Henderson from Melrose managed to land a beautiful sea trout under the guidance of his father. The applause that followed was louder than for any salmon taken.

As the sun dropped lower, we gathered at the marquee by the old stone bridge for the prize-giving. The heaviest salmon of the day, a 14-pounder from the Junction, went to David Scott of Kelso Angling Club. A raffle, a dram of Borders whisky, and the laughter of tired but contented anglers closed the evening.

I didn’t land a fish myself, but walking back through Kelso’s cobbled square, rod over my shoulder, I felt that rare satisfaction that only comes from a day spent on the Tweed. It wasn’t about the catch — it was about being part of the river’s living tradition, shoulder to shoulder with friends old and new.