History of the River Tweed

Looking down to two walkers by the River Tweed near Dawyck, with a view to hills beyond, Scottish Borders. PIC: P.TOMKINS/VisitScotland/SCOTTISH VIEWPOINT

Angling plays a substantial role in the history of the Tweed. Locals have fished the river since the 11th century and its salmon fisheries served the Kings of England during the wars of Scotland. The Tweed's heyday in angling circles came in the 1600's, when people began catching salmon for sport, as opposed to catching salmon to eat or sell on.