THE Renfrew community was out in force to preserve the town’s fishing rights on the River Clyde.

Provost Lorraine Cameron joined people of the town on a historic trip down the river from Braehead Pier to the mouth of the River Leven, before carried out the traditional act of “casting the nets”.

While on board, guests were treated to a film about the history of salmon fishing on the Clyde as well as a talk by marine biologist Dr William Yeomans.

Provost Cameron said: “This historic tradition is one which I am proud to keep alive for the people of Renfrew.

“The casting of the nets has become a key part of the town’s history and it is important that we give it the status it deserves.”

The custom goes back as far as 1781 when the town failed to carry out the practice and lost the right to fish on parts of the Clyde as a result.

King Robert III had granted a charter to the community of Renfrew detailing the right to fish the River Clyde as far back as 1396.

However, Renfrew Town Council failed to keep the rights on parts of the river owned by Sir Michael Stewart because they hadn’t fished in those areas for some years.

Ever since the Provost has cast the nets into the river every three years to maintain the rights.