Huge turnout at Banchory Lodge this morning for a Dee River Board meeting with SEPA, Aberdeenshire Council, SNH and CNPA to discuss getting the river back up and running with only 18 days to the start of the fishing season. Almost every beat suffered damage which will run into over £1m to put right in what is now recognised as a 1 in 500 year occurrence. With so many local hotels and shops dependent on fishing, it is vital we are open for business in Deeside as soon as possib...le.

Positively, Aberdeenshire Council and others have formed a panel and system to fast-track approval for repairs. We are still waiting to hear if Scottish Government will waive planning fees for repair works requiring planning permission.

Council also being proactive in waste collection along the river banks and more details on https://www.facebook.com/AberdeenshireWaste

There was a sensible request by Bert McIntosh to re-open some quarries to minimise lorry movements for much needed bank reinforcement material.

Unfortunate to hear sewage still being discharged straight into the river so please take note if you are working near or in the river. Also unfortunate to hear Scottish Water unwilling to mend their road in Aboyne which is preventing others access to the river.

Many thanks to the River Board for their continuing hard work in getting our local economy back up and running – definitely showing their value at a time when river boards are under threat of abolishment.