TASTER DAYS 2
bait pools as well as fly-fishing pools and a boat pool where, depending on your experience or preference, you can learn plenty about the sport. With the help of our guide for the day, Brian Bates, an introduction to fishing and the dos and don’ts around the resort kicks off proceeding. A fish-hook can cause a lot of damage if you’re not careful, as the scars on Brian’s hands after 30 years’ experience testify!
Fishing is a relatively simple pastime, and once bait has been selected and hooked, it’s time to cast a line and see what bites. Forbes of Kingennie has transformed itself into a country resort in the past few years and as well as fishing, offers golf, a bar and restaurant – perfect if the fish aren’t biting and you’re in need of some sustenance. There are also pool-side luxury cabins which are popular with tourists who use Kingennie as a base for exploring the area. As Brian points out, fishing is a patience game and once you have cast and recast, it’s a matter of waiting for a fish to snap. For most, that’s the beauty of this sport, as Brian said: “Despite the fact that we are near a built-up area, it’s very peaceful here and great to relax in. We have a few regulars who stay here and fish and you can
(each taster session costs about £50 for a half-day).
Adverse publicity in recent years has
see some difference in them after a few days. They are stress-free, relaxed and refreshed. And that’s how most people see fishing – a way to unwind and lose themselves for a few hours.”
Despite not actually catching a fish (I was assured that it was the weather and not my casting…), Brian’s guidance and expert advice left this novice in no doubt that he could easily come back without supervision and have a go – which is, after all, what a taster session should be about. Shooting and stalking require a greater degree of supervision and training, of course. But as a first experience of fishing of any type, I was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable it was. And, given the opportunity, would gladly return to do battle with Kingennie’s trout some other time. The taster would also make the novice more comfortable about fishing on the riverbank – although supervision is essential when trying this out for the first time. The whole experience was carried out professionally, courteously and with no
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perpetrated the belief that country sport is the preserve of the wealthy and aristocracy. And while no one would suggest that a day’s grouse shooting is “cheap”, it certainly compares well alongside other corporate activities. And the taster sessions, if they take off, could provide an income in between larger organised events for corporate or business customers.
lack of humour. It is, after all, meant to be enjoyed. The fishing experience would suit all ages, something that’s particularly pertinent given the increasing average age of country sports enthusiasts. Children in particular could do a lot worse than take an interest in a sporting pursuit that requires patience, dedication, discipline, a degree of fitness and respect for nature and conservation. The SCSTG, which is a private and public sector partnership, has gone to great lengths to promote the Country Sport Experience, through television and the media. They are putting out the message that country sports are accessible and available to enjoy at a relatively low cost
Catching a beautiful trout such as the one above is becoming a reality for men, women – and children – through the country sports experience
Victoria Brooks, the Project Co-ordinator at the SCSTG, thinks there is a real enthusiasm in the rural community for this scheme to work. She said: “We want to break down barriers and encourage everyone to try field sports, experience the great outdoors and see the beautiful countryside we are fortunate to have in Scotland. “The Scottish Country Sports Experience is bringing together locals and boosting tourism in the area.”
Any estate considering getting involved in this two-year initiative, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, would do well to speak to the SCSTG in the first instance, according to the organisation’s Chair, Sarah Troughton. She said: “I’m sure that estates will be very interested to get feedback from our Country Sports Experience team. This would help them provide a suitable service
LANDBUSINESS ISSUE 36 JUNE-JULY 2010
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