Coronavirus in Scotland: Anglers urged to stay at home amid new guidelines on exercise

Fishing chiefs issued a statement following Boris Johnson’s television address

The SANA has urged anglers to stay at home

Scotland’s game fishing bosses have urged anglers: “Stay at home.”

The advice from Scottish Anglers National Association (SANA) follows the statement from the Prime Minister.

Boris Johnson indicated in his television address that a walk or cycling were allowed under the new strict regulations aimed at beating COVID-19.

Social media overnight however indicated some confusion among anglers over whether fishing was acceptable.

A spokesman for SANA said: “The message from the Prime Minster was unequivocal. Stay at home.”

In England and Wales the Angling Trust, a new single organisation representing all game, coarse and sea anglers, also told fishermen to stay at home.

Their Facebook page had a message. It said: “Let’s be clear, the lockdown means no fishing.”

They are, however, seeking clarification as to whether fishing is an allowed form of exercise.

Commercial fisheries in Scotland posted closure messages within hours of the Prime Minister’s statement.

They include the 700-acre, Lake of Menteith near Stirling which is the main venue for national fly fishing championships in Scotland.

The water is due to host the women’s Home International Championship in late-May.

Stenhouse at Burntisland and Glencorse near Edinburgh, two venues for the Scierra Pairs, one of Britain’s leading fly fishing events, have also shut their doors.

Coarse fisheries are also closing including three-acre, Eliburn at Livingston and Orchill near Dunblane.