Scottish Land & Estates Chief Executive to Open River Tweed

The River Tweed salmon season will officially open on Monday 2nd February 2026, with Sarah‑Jane Laing, Chief Executive of Scottish Land & Estates, formally opening the river in Kelso.

Raised in the Scottish Borders town of Kelso, Sarah-Jane Laing brings both a deep personal connection and a strong professional understanding of the region. Her background reflects a clear appreciation of the vital role that land, rivers and rural communities play in Scotland’s future, and of the close relationship between river management, farming and estates in sustaining the long-term health of the River Tweed catchment

Sarah-Jane Laing said: “The Tweed salmon season is a powerful reminder of what good stewardship can achieve. Careful river management and conservation not only protect this iconic river, but also support tourism, local jobs and the wider Borders economy. The Tweed’s international reputation has been earned through generations of responsible land and river management, and that balance between nature and rural livelihoods remains as important as ever.

The Tweed is central to the identity of those who live and work along its route and its benefits extend well beyond its banks. As someone with long family connections to the river, I am really honoured to be involved in the official opening of the 2026 salmon season”

Seminar Farming and Land Management Supporting River Conservation

Following the formal opening, a public seminar hosted by the River Tweed Commission will bring together speakers and stakeholders to explore the current challenges and opportunities affecting the river. The Tweed catchment is largely managed by the farming and landowning community, whose role in safeguarding river health and delivering habitat restoration has become increasingly significant.

Jamie Stewart, Clerk to the River Tweed Commission, said:
 “The opening of the River Tweed marks not only the start of the salmon season, but an opportunity to highlight the collective effort required to protect and enhance the river. The seminar brings together science, land management and practical restoration, reflecting how the Tweed is cared for across its entire catchment.”

Event Details and Community Involvement

The opening event will begin at 9.00am at Kelso Town Hall, with hot drinks and breakfast rolls available. The team from Glenkinchie Distillery will once again join the proceedings, with the river traditionally blessed using a quaich of whisky.

Pupils from Castlegate Nursery will also return this year, leading the procession from the Town Hall to the river at Rennie’s Bridge — a much-loved moment that reflects the importance of passing river stewardship to the next generation.

Further information

For further information, interviews, or media enquiries, please contact:

Anne Woodcock
Tweed Foundation