The Allan Water fishing season opened last week with the traditional blessing of the river with whisky.
The Allan Water Angling and Improvement Association ceremony took place near Kinbuck on March 15 and featured first casts by two young members Iona Somerville and Thomas Robertson.
Association president Roy Robertson spoke of the group’s long and rich history during the ceremony and looked ahead to another year when anglers can enjoy the beauty of the Allan Water and fish for the mighty salmon and sea trout who visit the river annually.
He also invited Alison Baker from the Forth Rivers Trust to share with members the work being done by the organisation through restoration projects and partnerships with local landowners to support the natural habitat and protect and restore the wild salmon and trout populations.
Mr Robertson said: “This year’s opening ceremony was a special one, not only for the blessing of the river with Tullibardine whisky distilled locally with water from the Allan, part of the tradition of the opening of the fishing season, but for the fact that this year saw the first casts done by two junior members Iona Somerville and Thomas Robertson, demonstrating the value of angling and rivers to all generations and genders.
“Since 1911 the association has always been an advocate for the river, and for providing affordable and accessible angling for all and this continues to be their focus to this day.
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“The year 2022 is set to be a shinning one for the Association and its members, with the committee having worked incredibly hard to provide opportunities and support to encourage new people into fishing, seeking funding to carry out restoration work along the river banks, and look at bridge building to make the river more accessible for local communities and visitors to access and enjoy the river.”
Mr Robertson pointed out that the association is now providing free junior memberships to encourage more kids to go outdoors, learn about nature and develop new skills.
Along with this they provide annual funding to the Fish in the Classroom initiative which provides children the chance to see fish grow from eggs, and eventually release them into rivers.
The association have also received funding to host a Fishing for Freedom project aimed at providing free fishing opportunities for people that have felt the impacts of the pandemic and isolation and want to go outdoors and connect with nature whilst learning new skills.
The Allan Water Angling and Improvement Association’s work is carried out by volunteers and more information can be found at their website: https://www.allanwaterangling.org
