The Team
A river like the Tweed takes years to understand. The Milne Graden team have spent those years here — on the water, on the bank, through the seasons — and their knowledge of this place runs as deep as the river itself.
Kevin Wright
Milne Graden Full-time Ghillie/Boatman
I have been fishing for well over 30 years, nine of which I have enjoyed as head ghillie at Milne Graden. Previously I have worked at Cornhill and South Wark Lower North Wark.
Q) What is your biggest catch to date?
For me it isn’t just about the biggest catch, some of my greatest memories are of when we landed large numbers of salmon (sometimes more than 100 fish in one week). However, the most important thing is to enjoy your day on the river whether you catch a fish or not, just enjoy the moment.
Q) What is your most memorable fishing trip?
To some people’s amazement, I have never actually fished any other river than the Tweed. It is considered one of the best salmon fishing rivers in the world so why would you need to go anywhere else?
Q) Favourite aspect of fishing at Milne Graden?
The views, the wildlife (kingfishers everywhere, dippers, egrets, herons, nuthatches, the odd otter to name but a few), and no busy roads near by. Just pure peace and quiet and an immersive day within nature. I am also delighted when a guest lands a catch. It doesn’t matter whether it is their first salmon or if they have lost count. It is such an amazing experience.
David Platt
Estate Team
I have worked with the Milne Graden team since 2005 and I manage the bookings of the river beat and management of the estate. Controversially, I am more passionate about river and estate management than being in the water trying to land a catch. However, the two go hand in hand, the management and planning have a direct effect on why Milne Graden is such an incredible beat.
Q) Favourite aspect of fishing at Milne Graden?
It is a wonderful experience due to the outstanding beauty of the beat. It is very private and remote and a truly natural bit of countryside. Guests are always well looked after and offered a memorable experience from the ghillies. They also get to enjoy a great variety of bank and boat fishing which is perfect for different guest preferences.
Q) Best tip for fishermen who are new to the Milne Graden beat?
Learn from the ghillie, they know the river so well. Make sure you bring a delicious lunch or pick something up from one of the fantastic local butchers or farm shops.
Conservation
Milne Graden work in line with The Tweed Fisheries Management Plan which is formulated by the Tweed Foundation and River Tweed Commission. This includes engaging in regular monitoring programmes. The surrounding estate is also managed in a way to allow nature to take its course. This ensure that habitat is preserved for wildlife to thrive.
Conservation
Milne Graden work in line with The Tweed Fisheries Management Plan which is formulated by the Tweed Foundation and River Tweed Commission. This includes engaging in regular monitoring programmes. The surrounding estate is also managed in a way to allow nature to take its course. This ensure that habitat is preserved for wildlife to thrive.