Fraser on Fishing: 2009 proved that Scottish angling is in safe hands

In early June, Scotland played host to the World as well as the Commonwealth fly fishing championships.

Being the host nation, Scotland were strong contenders to lift a world medal, if not win the competition outright.

However, despite a late surge by the Scottish squad, England proved too good to overhaul on the final day, leaving the Scots with a bronze medal.

It was still a fantastic achievement – Scotland's best-ever finish in a world championships and the team can justly be proud.

Then, over on the lovely island of Islay, Scotland secured a second successive victory in the Commonwealth Championships – a feat never before achieved.

Fishing for wild brown trout on four lochs, the squad led from day one and went on to win quite handsomely.

The Disabled Home Internationals – dubbed the friendly international – was a very closely-fought contest at Llyn Brenig in Wales.

The Scots led by one fish after day one and only a fantastic second-day performance by Englishman Bob Cooper knocked them into second position.

The youth team proved they can hold their own when they took the Home International silver medal on Llandegfedd in south Wales. Over the last few seasons, the youngsters have only got better and will, in time, push to get into the senior squad.

The future of our sport is in great hands and that performance was a tribute to the anglers and committee who have nurtured the kids.

A special mention must also go to the Scottish Ladies' team, who went to Ireland to defend the Home International title which they had won the previous year on the Lake of Menteith.

In very poor conditions on Lough Lein, the Ladies finished second to the home team.