Funding eligibility for the Salmon Scotland Wild Fisheries Fund has been expanded to include angling organisations next year.

Applications are now being sought from fisheries organisations, local angling clubs, fishery boards, and other community associations. Funding applications open on Wednesday, February 1, with the deadline for submissions on Wednesday, March 1.

The fund is set to invest £145,000 through next year in habitat protection, removing barriers to migration, protection from predators and restocking.

Fort William fishery manager Jon Gibb coordinates the wild fisheries fund. He has championed the need for constructive relations between the farmed salmon sector and wild fisheries and angling groups.

The fund has been set up with contributions for the farmed salmon industry and has pledged to invest £1.5 million over five years.

The revamped fund will prioritise applications which protect and enhance wild salmon populations and local angling opportunities.

Previously known as the Wild Salmonid Support Fund, the organisation earlier this year provided funding to save the Victorian Fincastle Dam in West Harris, which had been on the brink of collapse. The fund made a grant of £35,000 to carry out essential repair work to the 1890s dam and protect the local wild salmon population, which was under threat.

Details of the grants are available at www.salmonscotland.co.uk/wildfisheriesfund.