FISH skins from Dunkeld Smokehouse are being turned into wallets to raise money for wild salmon conservation.
Antonia Gillett, 28, has opened Felsie, which is the UK’s first dedicated fish skin “tannery”.
Gillett is turning the left-over fish skins with the scales removed into a “leather”, from which she then makes wallets and cardholders.
She is donating half of her profits to river conservation projects, including the Missing Salmon Alliance.
“I am a keen fly-fisher [who] firmly believes our native fish and rivers deserve protecting,” Gillett explained.
“I am therefore excited to be able to use waste products to make a contribution towards this and donating 50% of Felsie’s profits to river conservation.
“Twenty-five per cent of profits will go to the Missing Salmon Alliance, and [another] 25% to the Wye & Usk Foundation.”
She added: “Fish leather is the most stunning, undiscovered material, which should be celebrated.
“It is stronger than you might think, surprisingly lacking in fishiness, and aesthetically pleasing too.
“What’s more is Felsie products are made solely with fish leather, rather than a mixture of leathers often used by producers.
“I am thrilled to announce the launch of this sustainable practice in support of river conservation and look forward to releasing more fish leather accessories, such as dog collars and bracelets, very soon.”
Read more stories on Scottish Field’s field sports pages.
Plus, don’t miss Michael Wigan’s fishing column in the September issue of Scottish Field magazine.
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