Esk & Liddle Improvement Association (ELIA)

The Border Esk and Liddle rivers have long been a popular destination for visiting sea trout and salmon enthusiasts.

Throughout its history the catchment has provided excellent sport for anglers and in 1863 the Esk and Liddle Fisheries Association was established to encourage local angling at a low cost.

This Association was replaced by the Esk and Liddle Improvement Association (ELIA) which has a wider remit.

The objectives of ELIA are to:
  • represent the views of the riparian owners and users of the river
  • promote best angling practice and angling generally
  • conserve and protect the riverine environment
Galloway Fisheries Trust provides fisheries expertise and assistance to ELIA to help them deliver their objectives - this working arrangement has been in place since 1996.

More information

For more on joint ELIA/GFT projects go to:
Border Esk Barrier Project
Fisheries Trust Projects
Fishing on the River Border Esk

Fish easement works completed on Billholm Burn



Recent ELIA projects

  • buying out net fishing rights
  • delivering education projects to local primary schools
  • completing habitat works to address bank erosion
  • erecting many kilometres of stock proof bank side fencing
  • cutting back of overshading conifer trees
  • allowing sea trout and salmon access over previously impassable man made barriers on 4 different waters
  • delivering the Celtic Sea Trout Project on the Border Esk
  • undertaking of a barrier assessment survey of the White and Black Esk catchments