Chris Halliday, chairman of the River Esk, MDAA, confirmed that they have stepped-up patrols on the river with permits being checked.

The increased presence follows recent events and two policemen are now regularly walking the river, concentrating on un-named areas.

This is to deter any illegal actions or non-permitted fishing and anti-social behaviour and he added: “If anyone spots anyone fishing illegally or behaving in an anti-social way on the river contact 101.”

Meanwhile, Craig Ogilvie won the third round of the Bass Rock Sea Angling League’s Winter Shore competition.

The North Berwick angler landed five fish for 7lb 7oz to win comfortably in the roving match around Cove in East Lothian.

Edinburgh-based John McHale was second in the field of ten anglers with two fish for 4lb 10oz with Ryan Barnett of Penicuik third with two fish for 3lb 8oz.

Chris Empson (Dunbar) came in fourth with 2lb 9oz from two fish with Edinburgh-based David Cooper fifth with one fish for 1lb 4oz.

Two other anglers also weighed-in, Stuart Fairbairn from Haddington with an 8oz fish and William Stafford (Edinburgh) with one of 7oz.

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