A GROUP of haaf net fishermen have taken a voyage down memory lane.

They shared their memories of life at sea with a number of young people at Devil’s Porridge Museum at Eastriggs in Dumfries and Galloway.

The teenagers, including one whose grandfather was a haaf netter from Gretna, interviewed and recorded the fishermen for over an hour.

During their chat, they heard how people got washed away and stuck in the sands, discussed the price of fish as well as how the different fishing methods worked.

The techniques included take net fishing and haaf net fishing at Loch and Dornock were discussed in detail.

As well as the opportunity to delve into history, the museum used the time to collate the fishermen’s memories and preserve them for future generations.

Judith Hewitt, museum manager, told the News & Star: “It was a wonderful conversation and all recorded for posterity.

“So many things get forgotten and we are pleased to be part of recording this tradition and ensuring its prominence in the public eye and its place in the history books.

“We would be very interested if anyone has any photographs of fishing at Loch and Dornock as they are quite rare and we would love to see them.”

The visit connects to an exhibition on haaf net fishermen which launched at the museum earlier this month.

The method of catching salmon using haaf nets is unique to the Solway Firth and according to the museum, is believed to have been used for a thousand years.

Despite the dangers of the tide, temperature, current and terrain - including sinking sands - the fishermen wades their way in and then stands in the water, sometimes with the sea as high as their neck, to hold the net in place.

When a salmon swims in, he must act fast or risk losing it.

For centuries, this method of fishing provided a livelihood or supplementary income to people who lived on both sides of the Solway.

Fast forward to 2020 and the practice is now in decline.

Meanwhile, new sets of regulations have been introduced regarding the catching of salmon.

Following on from their trip back through time, the museum have also issued an appeal for anyone else to share photographs and memories of those who had careers at sea.

Any submissions will add to the museum's growing collection about fishing in the Solway.

Those who have something to include, and want to get in touch should email Judith at manager@devilsporridge.org.uk.

Alternatively, phone Judith on 01461 700021.