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Scotsman
4 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Volunteers out in force for Almond clean-up
Fraser Thomson thanked the volunteers who helped clear 75 shopping trolleys, five bikes, seven scooters and tons of rubbish from the River Almond near Livingston Civic Centre. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... There were also 33 big bags of litter collected by volunteers and Fraser Thomson, who masterminded the initiative, hopes this event will stop people using the river as a dumping ground. The next stage is to press for meetings with leading retailers to stop the trollies leaving their stores. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Thomson, chairman of the West Lothian Angling Association, said: 'A total of 1,400 metres of river were cleaned, that's, according to my maths, one trolley every 18 metres. This river is an asset and this dumping must stop.' Team about to launch a boat into the Almond to assist with the clean-up Thomson was delighted with the response from local people to the initiative and added: 'They are all pulling in the same direction, let's get this river cleaned.' Thomson, who owns Pottishaw Fishery near Whitburn, but lives in Livingston, picked an area near the town's Civic Centre as a prime site for clearance and he added: 'This could, quite possibly, be the worst 1.5 miles of river, comparable with anything I have ever seen in Scotland. 'We have absolutely everything in this river, literally from a pin to a hammer. I can see from where we are standing, half a dozen bikes, scooters, spoons, spanners, trolleys, baskets, road signs, beer cans, everything is in there. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The river is the biggest asset for Livingston and the economic and social value of having a good fishing river is untold. Mental health issues, for one.' Rubbish in the river near Livingston shopping centre He added: 'We hope people take note of this initiative and not dump in the river. I want to inspire people to look after their river. The West Lothian Angling Association own the fishing rights to the river, but we don't own the river, but we want to open this section up, not just for fishermen, but for the whole community and it is nice to see that so many local people have turned out to support this initiative. 'We probably have as many people here who don't fish as club members and this has been a massively successful day.' Elsewhere, Scotland youth were edged out in the Home International fly fishing match, Ireland taking the title for a fifth year in a row. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Tartan Team totalled 47 fish, two behind the men from the Emerald Isle, but Scotland's Rory Stewart (Kilmacolm) was top rod overall all in the competition with an impressive 12 fish limit caught by 3pm. He finished well ahead of Irish angler, Evan McMickan, who finished with 16lb 3oz from seven fish. Trolleys with the Civic Centre behind Stewart also collected a time bonus and the Scot was the only person to do so in the match at the Lake of Menteith. He won the Brown Bowl. Wales were third with 39 fish and England fourth on 20 fish and Scotland manager, James Litster, said: "Winning five golds in a row is some achievement." Ireland's total weight was 122lb 14oz, Scotland weighed-in with 115lb 12oz, Wales accumulated 102lb 11oz and England 57lb 01oz with Rory Stewart finishing with a weight of 29lb 14oz, including his time bonus. His heaviest fish was 3lb 5oz Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The heaviest fish was caught by Josh Thomas of Wales, a fine specimen on 6lb. Fraser Thomson (right) and Leigh Vanderstay with the rubbish behind them on the banks of The Almond James Stewart from Inverness took the David Bell Merit Trophy awarded to a member of the Scotland team who showed real commitment and dedication. Litster added: "He went above and beyond to do everything for the team. He raised funds and attended everything all year. "His mum crashed her car on the way to an outing and he organised a lift to get to Broxden Roundabout (a key interchange on the A9 near Perth) where another parent picked him up and, on the way home, he got a bus back home (from Broxden) with all his gear to Inverness. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Scotland team: Beck Lyon (Darvel), Sam Harrison (Dunfermline), Harris McLeod (St Andrews), Rory Stewart (Kilmacolm), Eilidh Craik (Errol), Maria McGee (Waterfoot), Aaron Kenndy (Newton Mearns), Stephen Berry (Milngavie), Fergus Murray (Milgavie), Cameron Deeb (Houston), Ruaraidh Fowler (Doune), Kian Riley (Aberdeen), James Stewart (Inverness), Aiden Butters (Aberdeen), Jamie Walker (Alloa). Meanwhile, the Scottish Youth National Fly Fishing Championship 2025 are at Harelaw Trout Fishery near Neilston, Glasgow, from 9am to 16.30pm on Sunday, August 31, and Lake of Menteith Fishery, same fishing times, on Sunday, October 12. The competition is fished to international rules and the entry fee is £70 which covers both heats. An application form is on the website The closing date for applications for the Scottish Ladies National Fly Fishing Championship is on August 10. The event is on Sunday, September 7 at the Lake of Menteith with fishing from 9am to 5pm and the competition is part of the selection process for the 2026 Scotland team for the Home Internationals. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Meanwhile, the Scottish Stillwater Bank Team's four-man team challenge at Burnhouse Lochan near Bonnybridge on Saturday, August 23 from 9am to 3pm is now full. The winning team nets £400. Individual anglers will be appointed to make up a team. There will be a raffle and auction on the day.
Edinburgh Reporter
7 days ago
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Irish eyes smiling after fifth straight fishing gold
Scotland youth were edged out in the Home International fly fishing match, Ireland taking the title for a fifth year in a row. The Tartan Team totalled 47 fish, two behind the men from the Emerald Isle, but Scotland's Rory Stewart (Kilmacolm) was top rod overall all in the competition with an impressive 12 fish limit caught by 3pm. He finished well ahead of Irish angler, Evan McMickan who finished with 16lb 3oz from seven fish. Stewart also collected a time bonus and the Scot was the only person to do so in the match at the Lake of Menteith. He won the Brown Bowl. Wales were third with 39 fish and England fourth on 20 fish and Scotland manager, James Litster, said: 'Winning five golds in a row is some achievement.' Ireland's total weight was 122lb 14oz, Scotland weighed-in with 115lb 12oz, Wales accumulated 102lb 11oz and England 57lb 01oz with Rory Stewart finishing with a weight of 29lb 14oz, including his time bonus. His heaviest fish was 3lb 5oz The heaviest fish was caught by Josh Thomas of Wales, a fine specimen on 6lb. James Stewart from Inverness took the David Bell Merit Trophy awarded to a member of the Scotland team who showed real commitment and dedication. Litster added: 'He went above and beyond to do everything for the team. He raised funds and attended everything all year. 'His mum crashed her car on the way to an outing and he organised a lift to get to Broxden Roundabout (a key interchange on the A9 near Perth) where another parent picked him up and, on the way home, he got a bus back home (from Broxden) with all his gear to Inverness. The Scotland team: Beck Lyon (Darvel), Sam Harrison (Dunfermline), Harris McLeod (St Andrews), Rory Stewart (Kilmacolm), Eilidh Craik (Errol), Maria McGee (Waterfoot), Aaron Kennedy (Newton Mearns), Stephen Berry (Milngavie), Fergus Murray (Milgavie), Cameron Deeb (Houston), Ruaraidh Fowler (Doune), Kian Riley (Aberdeen), James Stewart (Inverness), Aiden Butters (Aberdeen), Jamie Walker (Alloa). Meanwhile, the Scottish Youth National Fly Fishing Championship 2025 are at Harelaw Trout Fishery near Neilston, Glasgow, from 9am to 16.30pm on Sunday, August 31, and Lake of Menteith Fishery, same fishing times, on Sunday, October 12. The competition is fished to international rules and the entry fee is £70 which covers both heats. An application form is on the website Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Reporter
04-08-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Irish eyes smiling after fifth straight gold
Scotland youth were edged out in the Home International fly fishing match, Ireland taking the title for a fifth year in a row. The Tartan Team totalled 47 fish, two behind the men from the Emerald Isle, but Scotland's Rory Stewart (Kilmacolm) was top rod overall all in the competition with an impressive 12 fish limit caught by 3pm for 29lb 14oz, including a time bonus. He finished well ahead of Irish angler, Evan McMickan who finished with 16lb 3oz from seven fish. The Scot was the only person to collect a time bonus in the match at the Lake of Menteith. He won the Brown Bowl. Wales were third with 39 fish and England fourth on 20 fish and Scotland manager, James Litster, said: 'Winning five golds in a row is some achievement.' Ireland's total weight was 122lb 14oz, Scotland weighed-in with 115lb 12oz, Wales accumulated 102lb 11oz and England 57lb 01oz with Rory Stewart finishing with a weight of 29lb 14oz, including his time bonus. His heaviest fish was 3lb 5oz The heaviest fish was caught by Josh Thomas of Wales, a fine specimen on 6lb. James Stewart from Inverness took the David Bell Merit Trophy awarded to a member of the Scotland team who showed real commitment and dedication. Litster added: 'He went above and beyond to do everything for the team. He raised funds and attended everything all year. 'His mum crashed her car on the way to an outing and he organised a lift to get to Broxden Roundabout (a key interchange on the A9 near Perth) where another parent picked him up and, on the way home, he got a bus back home (from Broxden) with all his gear to Inverness. The Scotland team: Beck Lyon (Darvel), Sam Harrison (Dunfermline), Harris McLeod (St Andrews), Rory Stewart (Kilmacolm), Eilidh Craik (Errol), Maria McGee (Waterfoot), Aaron Kennedy (Newton Mearns), Stephen Berry (Milngavie), Fergus Murray (Milgavie), Cameron Deeb (Houston), Ruaraidh Fowler (Doune), Kian Riley (Aberdeen), James Stewart (Inverness), Aiden Butters (Aberdeen), Jamie Walker (Alloa). Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Reporter
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Scots youngsters seeking gold
Scotland's youth fly fishing team go for gold in the Home International hosted at the Lake of Menteith on Wednesday. Ireland have won the last four matches but home hopes are high this time with seven of last year's team in again on this occasion at arguably Scotland's premier stocked water. James Litster, the team manager, said the 14 anglers and two reserves have done all they can to prepare for the event. He added: 'They will give 100 per cent but all the teams have quality anglers in them.' The Scottish youngsters have been preparing at the lake since Saturday and the other teams arrived on Sunday night. Fishing is from 10am to 5pm on Wednesday. PICTURE: Lake of Menteith Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Bob MacIntyre reunion and Scots stormers inspiring Open-bound Daniel Young
Perth ace ready for Portrush 10 years after epic amateur battle with Scots No.1 Daniel Young went toe-to-toe with Bob MacIntyre in an epic battle at Muirfield. Now, decade down the line, he'll join Scotland's No.1 on the biggest stage of the lot at Royal Portrush. And Young reckons taking inspiration from the feats of the Oban star as well as DP World Tour winners such as Ewen Ferguson, Calum Hill, Connor Syme and Grant Forrest gives him the perfect motivation to flourish at The Open. The Perthshire ace produced a brilliant display at Dundonald to storm into the 153rd Championship. Young's outstanding showing in Ayrshire soared him into the Northern Irish spectacular where he will join MacIntyre and awesome amateur pair Connor Graham and Cameron Adam as Tartan representatives. Back in 2015, Young and MacIntyre shared a thrilling scrap in the Final of the Scottish Amateur Championship which was won by the Oban ace. Now they'll be on the same ultimate stage and Young said: 'We had a great final. A good few years ago now. Went 36 holes and he pipped me at the last. No hard feelings if I can turn around my career into what he's done so far. 'I think I've always kind of said, golf's ruthless. Everybody's where they are for a reason, you know what I mean? I'm on the Challenge [Tour] for a reason. Bob's where he is for a reason. If you just keep ticking away, playing good golf, the rest will take care of itself. 'It's great for Scottish golf to see all these guys playing well and guys that I grew up playing with and played a lot of amateur golf with. If that doesn't spur you on, I don't know what will. 'That's the ultimate goal, obviously, to get out and compete with these guys and just try and win out there as well as basically win every week. That's everybody's goal, isn't it? We've got to try and keep up with guys like Bob who's leading the way at the moment.' Naturally, Young is buzzing for the chance to tee-up alongside the elite and said: 'It's been a long kind of six weeks on the road and this is a nice way to top it off. It's a big, big step in my career. 'I was planning to have two weeks off anyway, so it's working fine for me, to be honest. I'm not playing the Challenge Tour the next two weeks now, so I'll get straight to Portrush, find accommodation. 'I've played it in the Home Internationals, but it'll have changed since then. My last year as an amateur, I played it in the Home International, so I'm relatively familiar with it. 'It'll be interesting to see the changes and stuff. Obviously, I watched a little bit on TV when Shane Lowry won, so you kind of see bits and bobs. Yeah, I feel like it's probably one of the harder open venues out there, which I feel like might suit my game. 'I'm driving it great and tee to green has been really solid most of the year. So, if I can take the game into Portrush, there's no reason why we can't do well.' There is, of course, other targets aside of performing at Portrush before the year is out as he added: 'Just wrap up the card for the DP World Tour, really. Yeah, as soon as I can. 'First and foremost, I'm just trying to win every time I tee up on the Challenge Tour and then I guess the rest will take care of itself. But obviously, the ultimate goal is to get to the DP World Tour. 'Calum Fyfe has had a great start to the season and Davie Law as well has been up there a few times. Euan Walker. There's three or four of us up there and it would be great to see all of us push on until the end of the year and make that step up. 'I grew up playing in Craigie Hill in Perth. Probably not many people have heard of that. You can see it driving up the M90 on the side of a hill, bizarrely enough. I went to college in the States and came back probably a little bit of a late bloomer compared to some guys around my age and things like that. 'It's been a patient career so far, but the last two or three years it's been building and layer upon layer, you get more and more confident and comfortable in different scenarios and things. It's the old cliche, brick by brick, I suppose.'
