Motorsport stars return to Dumfriesshire project aimed at boosting salmon stocks

Two motor racing drivers have been seeing how their efforts are helping boost salmon stocks in the River Nith.

Catie Munnings and Kevin Hansen both compete in the Extreme E series, which is set to return to Glenmuckloch near Kirkconnel for the Hydro X Prix later this month.

Ahead of last year’s event, the pair were among a contingent from the series who carried out work with the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board as part of the eco-friendly championship’s legacy programme.

And the duo, along with a class from Kellholm Primary, recently paid a visit to the organisation’s headquarters and plant nursery, which was funded as a result of the legacy programme, to look at the growth of tree seedlings which will be planted to help protect the river’s habitat.

They also paid a trip to Crawick River to look at the progress of trees planted last year.

And one of Extreme E’s Odyssey 21 electric powered cars was on display at the recent Kirkconnel and Kelloholm Children’s Gala.

The championship’s managing director, Ali Russell, said: “It was great for Extreme E to return to Scotland ahead of the Hydro X Prix and come back to the environmental initiatives we put in place just over a year ago. Having a positive, environmental impact on the areas we race in is vital, and so to return for our latest legacy voyage at the River Nith was hugely important.

“Our collaboration with local organisations like the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board exemplifies our mission to leave each location in better shape than we found it and it was brilliant to have Catie and Kevin share that with us, especially as they both helped launched the first-ever Hydro X Prix, which brought great continuity to the voyage.”

The trust has also received sensors and probes from Vodafone Business to monitor water quality and temperature in the river.

The Hydro X Prix will take place at the former open cast coal mine at Glenmuckloch on July 13 and 14.