[Hamish Young]

Well I was slightly taken aback by the news that came my way today that River Dee Director Mark Bilsby is leaving his role to take a new post with the Atlantic Salmon Trust 

I've bumped into Mark on and off for over fifteen years - I'm sure many can say the same - and I've always been taken by his 'can do, will do it' approach to work.  Always thought he was a genuinely nice bloke, Deeside will miss him and there’s a great opportunity for the right person to succeed him and build on the work done 

They're looking for his replacement now.

It's a shame for the Dee, but somehow I'm pleased that the AST is gaining one of our best and I am hopeful his 'can do, will do' approach to AST affairs will move that organisation forward 

[Ivor Duffus]

I was at a Don AGM when someone asked MB about a hatchery. His reply was fairly interesting  certainly come across not a fan of hatchery's or at least that is how it seemed to me.

 For the Don at least i agree with what said about opening up new spawning areas  with removing weirs etc  . The Dee on the other hand has done loads of habitat improvements  with little in the way of better catches although the when i fished the Dee last August it was stuffed with stale fish.

Interesting to see who takes over and the see what happens in the future regarding hatchery's on the Dee.