Tweeddale Fishery to make big comeback after major site work
Our aim is to bring this back into a really good
fishery once again, and that will take time
Tweeddale Fishery near Gifford, once dubbed one of Scotland's favourite small water fisheries, and a popular venue for fly and bait fishing anglers in the Lothians, will re-open soon. That's the promise of the new management team who have been inundated with anglers keen to cast a line again in one of the three ponds on site.
Derek Plenderleith, who is overseeing the project on behalf of the Derbyshirebased owner, confirmed that a health and safety inspection has been carried out, and the management team have also applied to Marine Scotland for a licence.
Groundwork to improve the road and car parking is set to start, and new signs are being created for the entrance, the banks have been cut and tons of rubbish collected. Caravans that were on site have been moved and Derek, who also looks after shooting on the 800-acre estate on which the fishery sits, confirmed that the fishery hut has been repainted both inside and outside to blend in with the surrounding landscape. A wood burning stove will be installed. The site is covered by security cameras, but they will be replaced with the latest high-tech surveillance gear to ensure the the site is well protected – but Derek plans to move onto the site soon.
Opening times and prices will be confirmed when the fishery is closer to re-opening, and the new boss said: "We held a poll on social media and 99 per cent were in favour of making the first pond for fly fishing beginners and bait anglers, with the other two ponds for fly fishermen.
"Our plan is to open as soon as we can, but we have been surprised by the amount of work we have had to do. However, we have been really pleased with the amount of interest there is in the fishery, which will be re-stocked. Overall, our aim is to bring this back into a really good fishery once again, and that will take time."
Meanwhile, Burnhouse Lochan Fishery near Bonnybridge hosts the final of the Scottish Stillwater Bank Championship on Sunday (April 14), with practice possible on the day before, but this must be booked with the fishery.
Seven anglers from last year's gold medal-winning, eight-strong team, at Newhaylie Fishery at Largs, are in the frame including the captain Graeme Lynch plus Kyle Courtney and Kevin Andrews and team manager Brian Quinn.
David Harrington, from Uphall Station, who finished fourth on the day and was Scotland's second top rod, failed to make the later stages of the competition this time.
Glencorse near Penicuik hosted an early heat in the Fastmail Pairs, and two men from Midlothian were the first to weigh-in, but they failed to qualify for the final.
Stevie Whitehead and Eck Moffat returned to the harbour at 12.54pm with 28lb 8oz of fish, however, they were beaten on weight by two pairs. David Carr and Billy Braithwaite finished at 1.36pm, and won with 29lb 10oz. Paul Gilbertson and Gordon Renwick docked at 2.11pm and had 29lb of fish in their bag for second position. Bill Taylor, Glencorse owner, said the anglers enjoyed favourable conditions with a chilly wind and blue skies for the day-long event.
Sea fishing now and Scottish international Barry McEwan won the opening leg of the summer league organised by the Bass Rock Shore Angling League. The Port Seton-based angler hooked into seven fish for 151cm to win from Jamie McHale (Gifford), who had eight fish but only measuring 126cm. Third was Chris Empson (Dunbar), another Scottish international, with eight fish for 122cm, with Keith Forbes (Musselburgh) fourth on four fish for 76cm, Stuart Fairbairn (Haddington) was fifth with three fish for 61cm, and Graham Meadows (St Boswells) sixth with one fish of 17cm.
Fairbairn landed the biggest fish, at 23cm, and flounder, dabs, coley and rockling were hooked on a freezing cold night with heavy rain behind the old power station at Cockenzie.
The second round is on April 17 at a venue to be decided. Consult the club's Facebook page for details. New members are always welcome.
Elsewhere, Mike Kyle from Easthouses, the recent winner of the Edinburgh New Year Sea Angling League, was second in zone three of the Scottish Federation of Sea Anglers (SFSA) match at Riverside Drive in Dundee. Gus Brindle from Dunfermline, chairman of the Scottish Federation for Coarse Angling, was first in the zone with 201 points.
Zone One winner was Chris Barrett (Edinburgh) with 217 points, and second Chris Horn from Kirkcaldy with 138 points, while James Duncan from Angus recorded 205 points to win Zone Two, with Gordon McLeod second on 164 points. The longest fish was recorded by Pete Smalls (Rosyth) with a 33cm flatfish.
The annual meeting of St Serfs Sea Angling Club had to be postponed, and the new date is May 8 at 8pm at The Elbow Room at 131-137 Rosslyn Street, Kirkcaldy KY1 3HT. Secretary George Harris has confirmed 19 fixtures for the coming year, including a midweek league, and he encouraged any anglers keen to take part in the matches or to join to come to the meeting.