Brian Arnold, owner of the fishery at Delgatie Castle, Aberdeenshire, and due to open on 28 August, was assisted by Business Gateway to get the venture up and running. His business advisor has helped him through the planning stages and provided him with contacts that have facilitated the fishery’s opening. To get himself off on a sure footing Brian attended the Business Gateway introduction to business course.
The fishery consists of a 2.5 acre loch stocked with rainbow trout ranging from 1.5lb to into double figures. There is also a large population of wild brown trout. Brian is hoping to add to this by opening a bait pond, which provides an excellent opportunity for novices and children to land a fish and become more interested in angling.
There will be lessons available for beginners and experienced anglers and equipment can be hired to allow everyone to enjoy the relaxing nature of fishing. Anglers will also be able to purchase fishing tackle and complimentary tea and coffee is available in the heated bothy.
The cost of fishing will be £ 20 for any four hours and three fish then catch and release; £ 17 for any three hours and two fish then catch and release; £ 15 for any two hours and one fish then catch and release and £ 12 for any four hours catch and release only. The fishery will be open from 8am to dusk seven days a week.
Brian Arnold said: “I am extremely excited about getting started and looking forward to introducing angling to a wider audience as well as catering for the needs of the experienced angler. Angling is an extremely popular sport due to it being accessible to all and it is also a great way to get outdoors and enjoy some wonderful scenery. I have been a keen angler for over 30 years and through the help provided by Business Gateway I am now combining my passion with my profession.”
Joyce Duncan, director of operations at Enterprise North East Trust which delivers Business Gateway, said: “Brian has shown a great deal of determination in getting the fishery set up and I wish him a great deal of success for the future. We at Business Gateway will continue to provide him with assistance to ensure that he grows the fishery in the way he wants to.”
A recent Scottish Executive study conducted by the Glasgow Caledonian University stressed that angling is worth more to the Scottish tourism industry than golf and must be developed. Delgatie Castle Trout Fishery is aiming to tap into this burgeoning market and that of the local angling scene by providing a quality angling experience to all its visitors.
To contact Delgatie Castle Trout Fishery call 07795593922. To contact Business Gateway call 01467 672595 or email businessgateway@enetrust.com
