Scots anglers plea for restrictions on sport to be relaxed

Angling bosses have called on the Scottish Government to ease restrictions on the sport.

David Ogg, chairman of Angling Scotland (AS), which represents game, coarse and sea fishermen north of the Border, has put forward “a progressive approach” to Jeane Freeman, cabinet secretary for health and sport.

The Kinross-based organisation claims angling is a healthy and extremely popular outdoor activity which has been proven to be beneficial to both the mental and physical well-being of participants.

For disabled anglers in particular, the act of going out fishing is an ideal way to combine gentle exercise and fresh air on a regular basis.

Anglers attend the opening day of the salmon fishing season on the River Tay at Kincalven bridge. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

The proposal added: “Angling is economically significant within the Scottish economy. Commercial fisheries and other enterprises that provide or support angling facilities are virtually all small rural businesses. In almost every case they have suffered sudden and complete loss of income since the lockdown commenced. The impact on ‘upstream’ businesses in manufacturing and retail is less conspicuous, but could be substantial in the long-term.”

He argued that angling carries a low inherent potential for Covid-19 transmission as the sport practices physical separation.

Mr Ogg said: “The presence of anglers can deter others who mistreat the outdoor environment. Sad to say, we are seeing a rise in reports of illegal fish removals, vandalism and fly-tipping at what would normally be popular fishing spots.”

Bosses envisage a phased approach with a basic minimum set of measures being introduced immediately, and hopefully expanded by stages.

Angling Scotland want fishing in the sea and in freshwater from the shore/bank (including piers and jetties) or from a boat, inflatable, RIB, kayak or float tube carrying one person only.

Critical to the proposals a 40-miles radius for travel and anglers would have to make the journey alone unless they are accompanied by a member of the same household.

Fisheries and angling clubs should, under the plan, make permits, season tickets and club memberships available by post or online and payments should be processed by contactless card or electronic channels. Anglers on-site must observe minimum social distancing standards and fishing tackle or any other items should not be shared.

Cafes and clubhouses at fisheries should remain closed under the plan but owners should be permitted to sell takeaway sandwiches on the same basis as takeaway food businesses.