EAST Lothian Angling Association (ELAA) has held its annual ceremony to mark the opening of the fishing season on the River Tyne.

In a traditional ritual, the water was blessed by a minister – this year the Rev Gordon Stevenson, of Dunbar Parish Church, had the honour.

In a more unusual move, an offering of whisky was poured into the water for the “health” of the river and fish.

The event was open to anyone interested in the river, thinking of taking up angling or interested to learn about what the association is doing to improve and maintain the long-term health of the river and its immediate environment.

Permits to fish for under-18s are free and were available on the day, with anglers having the chance to try fly casting.

There was also a demonstration of river sampling, enabling attendees to see which bugs live in the river.

Stuart McLean, of ELAA, said: “We continue to welcome novice and young anglers and also promote environmental improvements around the river and promote the physical and mental health benefits of angling.

“You can fish (with a permit) free if under 18 and the Tyne is one of the few rivers that offers very inexpensive fishing for salmon, sea trout and brown trout.

“We have a Facebook page for people to reach out with questions and many members are more than happy to help people if interested in fishing and the biodiversity in the river.”