Scotland nets world fly fishing championships

Dr. Neil McCarry, International Organiser of the Scottish Anglers National Association (SANA) who presented the successful bid said: “For the first time the World Fly Fishing Championship comes to Scotland and it will be the biggest such event ever held in our country. The Championship will highlight our superb fishing, set in magnificent scenery and will enable anglers from all over the globe to enjoy the unique fishing experiences which we have to offer.”

The event is expected to welcome more than 25 countries over seven days of competition and will be broadcast through cable television, showcasing the fishing sites and surrounding landscapes of Stirling and Perthshire to an international audience.

Paul Bush, Acting Chief Operating Officer of EventScotland, the national events agency, said: “Attracting the World Fly Fishing Championships in 2009 is a coup for Scotland and will help to promote the quality of Scottish fishing, consequently raising the profile of the country as a fishing destination to anglers across the world.

“The award of these Championships also helps us to sustain Scotland’s reputation as a destination for major, international events and builds upon our recent success in attracting World and European Championships to the country.”

Stirling Council’s Executive Member with responsibility for the Economy, Councillor Colin O’Brien said: “We welcome this opportunity to host the World Fly Fishing Championships in 2009, which will illustrate the world class standard of the fishing available within Stirling and hope that the participants will enjoy the quality of our hospitality and appreciate the beauty of our landscape. We wish the competitors every success and hope that many will return to enjoy our hospitality after the event”.

A recent research study, prepared for Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department, concluded that freshwater angling in Scotland is worth over £ 100million each year to the Scottish economy.

Mark Irwin, VisitScotland’s Fishing Product Manager commented: “We look forward to the arrival of the World Fly Fishing Championships in 2009 and see it as a great opportunity to promote Scotland as a world-class fishing destination. Scotland is home to such a variety of fishing throughout the year and we hope that this event will encourage more anglers to come experience the fantastic fishing that is available and our renowned Scottish hospitality.”