We’re spending a Sunday afternoon sifting through a lot of photos and information we’ve been sent recently (and not so recently) that we’re only just getting around to sharing!

To start it off, here is another pic from “The Tom Broon Archives”! Thanks Tom!

“The picture shows an old Clinker build boat. It belonged to Bob Wilson, Rose Cottage Wellington St, Glencaple.

Bob used to keep the boat moored at the steps at Glencaple. The boat was used to transport nets and stakes down river. These were used to erect his Paidle net.

I remember Bob loading up the boat with nets and stakes. He would head down just on High Water or after skulling from the rear of the boat. Pleased I have seen this happen.

This was a unique form of netting on the Nith Estuary. He used to set his net out from Kenneth Bank or Phylis’s.

There were many nets set 60 or 70 years ago. These were fished by local families. Armstrong, Dalrymple, Foster, Swan, Carrol, Laurie, Rae and many more.

Nets were also set on the West Bank too. Carsethorn and right up to Glencaple. The catch was mainly Flounder and some Plaice.

Occasionally Salmon, Grilse and SeaTrout could be caught. These had to be returned.
It was/ is legal to set a net for white fish.

Just like the Haafing this has declined to the point we have no Paidle nets fishing on the Estuary. Sad indeed. A good Flook is grand eating.

Great how a picture of an old wrecked boat jogs your memory! I have the anchor from the boat in my garden.”

Tom Brown