Please allow us to fish

I've been in business for over 30 years and although I'm lucky to do something that I really enjoy but it can be very demanding!

My passion is salmon fishing and that's how I charge my batteries up. I have 3 days booked/ paid for on a 2 rod beat on the Tweed at the end of this month.

As this beat is about a mile long, I would be further away from other people there than if I walked down the street or go to Tesco etc.

As someone who has been wearing a B&Q mask in supermarkets/ Coop for nearly 2 months and I cross the road when someone is walking towards me when I out for a walk or run etc; I totally agree with the social distancing guidance as an important measure to adopt. However, a day on the river could not only adhere to social distancing but would also be great therapy for our mental health.

Therefore, I would ask the MSPs and/or the First Minister to bare in mind the benefits that fishing and say golf can bring (not that I play golf but it's another hobby that can be enjoyed with and social distancing can be adhered to) when discussing the easing of the lock down rules. Thanks.

Why the contribution is important

We need recreation and if we "stay alert" and if we keep our distance, I believe that angling is something that could be allowed now and it would have little or no affect on the "R" factor.

by Youngy on May 11, 2020 at 01:40PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.8
Based on: 7 votes

Comments

  • Posted by GMPotts May 11, 2020 at 17:30

    Fishing -One of the largest participation sports in the UK and a significant contributor to Scotland's economy- especially the rural economy. This is a sport where social distancing is not only easily achieved - it is a common preference amongst many regular anglers. It is an important source of outdoor activity and contributes to the physical and mental well being of the participants - and often also that of their spouses too. Low levels of Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) have been identified as a contributory factor in poor Covid 19 outcomes. A day by the water ensures exposure to the higher levels of natural light experienced and boosts vitamin D levels. Beyond the individual considerations there is a much wider implication for society in continuing to restrict this popular activity. The age profile of many Angling Clubs is in the older age bracket and the importance of the social and sporting pursuit to this age group is significant. It helps keep up activity levels, which greatly assists in keeping them as active members of society, so reducing the pressure on health services and facilitating the many useful volunteering roles taken on by the older generations. House bound anglers in their 80's and indeed 90's are in danger of becoming permanently so under these continuing restrictions.
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