Finished, Speycaster Fly Tying,Speycaster Gallery.

Speycaster.co.uk Title.

News

Injured troops from the Personnel Recovery Centre in Gilmerton, Edinburgh, receiving having fishing lessons on the River Tweed to assist in their recovery.
(From Major Kevin Wood)

Each day is designed around teams of five injured soldiers who receive professional instruction and are guided from boat and bank in pursuit of salmon, sea trout, and brown trout by the local Ghillies and Boatmen. Rifleman Kyle Baker, 18, from 3rd Battalion The Rifles said: "It's great! I've received fly fishing tuition from one of the best professionals in the country Ian Gordon of Hardy Greys. "It is all part of my rehabilitation therapy after receiving a gunshot wound in the back while serving in Afghanistan. "As an Englishman from Neston [Cheshire] and 3 RIFLES it was also great to be fishing on the English side of the River Tweed!"

The soldiers fish throughout a mile long double band beat on the River Tweed, which is the border between Scotland and England. Secretary of the Army Angling Federation (Game) Major Kevin Wood explained: "As part of the welfare component of their recovery personnel are invited to take part in a week of fishing, instruction and coaching on the Carham beat of the river Tweed, between Kelso and Coldstream. "The Tweed Commission through use of their Wheelie Boats was able to give access to fishing to less able and recovering service personnel. They also continue their efforts in promoting angling and attracting less able people to try the sport. "The troops, mostly newcomers to fishing, have really enjoyed the experience. Our thanks go to Nick Yonge and Fay Hieatt of the Tweed Commission for coordinating the event. "In addition, I've been asked by the injured personnel to pass on their thanks to Bill Quarry of the Wheelie Boat Trust, and Peter Straker-Smith who has given the beat free of charge to the troops for a week." (From Major Kevin Wood)

The picture below shows Rifleman Neil Sheldon, 22, (front) and Rifleman Marc Iveson, 22, both of 3 RIFLES who are based at Redford Infantry Barracks, Edinburgh, receive fly fishing instruction from professional instructor Ian Gordon of Hardy Greys. Both Riflemen received their wounds while serving in Afghanistan.

Rifleman Neil Sheldon, 22, (front) and Rifleman Marc Iveson, 22, both of 3 RIFLES who are based at Redford Infantry Barracks, Edinburgh, receive fly fishing instruction from professional instructor Ian Gordon of Hardy Greys. Both Riflemen received their wounds while serving in Afghanistan.

Click image to return to the main news page.