Speyside - Salmon

Like the Atlantic salmon, which returns every year to the river of its birth, I am drawn on an annual visit to the Spey's enchanting waters in pursuit of these silvery fish.

But, while scientists are still baffled by how the Salmo Salar returns to the very pool it was born in; my reasons for an annual reappearance are somewhat easier to solve.

For, with its fertile valley hemmed in by magnificent Scots pine and heather-clad hillsides, there are few more atmospheric places to pursue the King of Fish. And, what's more, the fortunate angler can catch a salmon in the very water used to produce their favourite tipple, while around them grows the barley so vital in the malt.