Looking back…

 

Milne Graden estate was created by Admiral Sir David Milne in the early 1800’s by combining the beautiful estate of Kersfield together with the adjoining land and woods of Snook on the banks of the Tweed. Milne commissioned the Scottish architect James Gillespie Graham to design a main house on the estate which he moved into with his wife in 1823. Two centuries later, the house is still lived in by a family that call the estate home, and Milne Graden continues to thrive.

 

‘Milne Graden’ from the West Avenue

 

The history of fishing on the River Tweed dates back to the 12th century, and this magnificent stretch of water has seen incredible change over that time. Not limited to changes in fishing practice but also political challenges, as Berwick-Upon-Tweed has changed hands from Scotland and England ownership 14 times!

 

Milne Graden House from the English bank of the River Tweed

 

Salmon fishing used to be one of the most lucrative industries for the Scottish Borders and Northumberland, with around 800 local men being employed in salmon netting at the end of the 18th century. In the 1960’s there were over 30 netting stations before this practice changed dramatically in the 1980’s. In 1987 there was an organised buy out of netting stations on the river and ever since there has been more emphasis on conservation of wild salmon as fishing stocks dwindled at the turn of the 21st century.

 

‘The Rocks’

 

Milne Graden fishing works in line with The Tweed Commissions guidelines and regulation of salmon fishing on the river. Conservation of this great fish and respect for the river are held in the highest regard by the team.

 

‘The Cauld’