The River Tweed Commission and Tweed Foundation are delighted to announce the opening of the River Tweed and inaugural River Tweed Fly-Tying Fair, a two-day celebration marking the opening of the salmon fishing season. The two day event will take place after the opening ceremony on 1st February at Kelso Town Hall and promises to bring together anglers, conservationists, and the local community in celebration of this world-renowned river.

The river will be opened by Her Grace, The Duchess of Roxburghe, on Saturday, 1st February with celebrations starting at Kelso Town Hall from 9am with complimentary bacon rolls, tea, coffee and Glenkinchie whisky. 

This year the procession will start at Kelso Town Hall at 10am and make its way to the bankside on Junction Beat next to Kelso Bridge (Rennie’s Bridge). A traditional blessing of the river with a quaich of Glenkinchie whisky by Her Grace will officially open the season.

Key Event Highlights:

• Fly-Tying Fair: Meet renowned fly tyers from across the UK, Scotland and Europe, including industry legends such as the last Hardy Fly Tyer Ken Middlemist, World Champion Sacha Putz, and Gavin Brown, creator of the Junction Shrimp.

• TweedStart Ambassadors: Young fishing enthusiasts will demonstrate fly-tying techniques and share their fishing stories.

• Film Premiere: Catch the exclusive screening of Tweedwood – A Modern Ghillie’s Mission.

• Interactive Activities: Learn to tie flies, join discussions with conservationists, and participate in fly-tying competitions.

• Wader Recycling: Upcycled Waders invites anglers to bring their irreparable, leaky waders to the show. Handcrafted in Kelso, these unique products are made from unusable waders, transforming them into something new and sustainable

• Community Involvement: Castlegate Nursery School 3-5-year-olds and out of school club are embarking on a vibrant artistic journey to celebrate the River Tweed, culminating in a stunning display named “Little Ripples, Big Waves”  at the opening of the river Tweed at Kelso Town Hall on Saturday, February 1st.

• Best Dresses Shop Window: Shops across Kelso will be dressing their shop windows with a fishing and conservation theme for the coveted Best Dressed Shop Window Trophy.

• Saturday Evening: Fin and Game, Kelso, will be opening its door to anglers and the local community from 6-9pm with drinks and canapés and hopefully awarding the angler who catches the first fish the salmon sculpture created by Jason Sweeney. 

Jamie Stewart, The River Tweed Commission, noted: “Community engagement is at the heart of this year’s celebration, and we are thrilled to see young artists, anglers, and the wider community, including international anglers and fly dressers coming together to honour the River Tweed and its vital role to tourism and jobs in the Scottish Borders.”

Event Details:

• River Tweed Opening: Saturday 1st February from 9am. 

• Procession to the river starts at 10.00am.

• Fly Fair: Saturday 1st February (11.00 AM–4:30 PM) 

• Fly Fair: Sunday 2nd February (10:00 AM–4:00 PM)

• Location: Kelso Town Hall, The Square, Kelso, TD5 7HF

• Entry to the Fly Fair: A suggested donation of £5 per person (accompanied children under 16 free). Proceeds from the event will support the Tweed Foundation conservation and education programs. Every adult ticket will be entered into a raffle which will be drawn at the close of the show on Sunday 2nd Febraury.

Why Attend?
The River Tweed Fly-Tying Fair offers something for everyone—from seasoned anglers to families curious about this historic river. The fair celebrates the cultural and ecological significance of the Tweed while raising essential funds for conservation and education.

About the River Tweed Commission

The River Tweed Commission (RTC) is responsible for managing, conserving, and improving salmon and sea trout fisheries in the Tweed district. Established under its own legislation, the RTC works alongside the Tweed Foundation to safeguard the river's fish populations. Together, these two organisations play a vital role in addressing the challenges of climate change, habitat degradation, and other environmental pressures affecting the river and its fish.

About the Tweed Foundation
The Tweed Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to conserving and sustainably managing the River Tweed. Through education, research, and community engagement, the foundation protects one of Scotland's most iconic rivers and its biodiversity for future generations. (Charity No. SC011055)

Childrens Artwork Display

The initiative has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the Junction Boatman, who funded the purchase of wood for the project. Kelso Men's Shed Chairman John Bassett generously volunteered his time to cut out 100 wooden fish for the children at Castlegate Nursery to decorate.