West Lothian Angling Association looking to the future

Thomson is being assisted by Scot Muir and Gordon Redmond and Thomson said they will be crucial in helping him chart the way forward.

The move was confirmed on social media and a new page has been created called West Lothian Angling Association 2025.

Permits for next year are available from the Fish Around the Forth website and Thomson will be working closely the Forth Rivers Trust to chart the way forward.

Fraser Thomson who has taken over as interim chairman of West Lothian Angling Association and is pictured at Pottishaw Fishery.

The association hosts monthly fly tying sessions which have been attracting attendances of up to 30, including an encouraging number of young anglers, but the January one has been cancelled.

The next one should be in mid-February at a new venue and the annual meeting is due around that time.

Thomson confirmed that plans are being drawn up to raise funds for the association and the Livingston-based businessman added: “It is a long road ahead, but I am up for it.

“The River Almond is ours and it needs our help. I am proud to be the chairman and will seek to be properly elected into the role at our next AGM.

“Anyone who knows me will know of my love for the River Almond and my local community. I hope I can count on your continued support.”

Incidentally, Pottishaw Fishery will now be open on Thursday, Friday and weekends from 9am to 4pm until February 1.

Meanwhile, Dean York from Kirriemuir pocketed the £1,000 prize in the St Serfs Sea Angling Club’s Xmas Open with a cod of over 7lb 15oz in “wild conditions”.

He fished in the Crail area and George Harris, one of the organisers, confirmed that 103 anglers entered, well down on previous years, but, he said, followed poor weather forecasts leading up to the event.

Sandy Watson (Ayr) was second with one of over 5lb 13oz and Pat McGoogan (Ardrossan) third with one of 5lb 13oz but a few ounces lighter that the runner-up.

Other results: 4, Allan Saunders (Arbroath) 5lb 8oz; 5, Steven Faulds (Arbroath) 5lb 2oz; 6, Mike Horn (Kirkcaldy) 5lb; 7, Paul Buddles (Alnwick) 4lb 13oz; 8, Andrew Boath (Edinburgh) 4lb 9oz; 9, Simon Pattison (Rosyth) 4lb 6oz; 10 equal, David Cooper (Edinburgh) and Keith Crombie (Dysart), both with fish of over 4lb.

Two juniors hooked fish, Blake Ferguson (Stirling), 2lb 8oz and Lyle Gray (Methil) 1lb 13oz.

The second leg of Mike and Chris’s Winter Heaviest Cod League is on Saturday, December 14 from 16.00 to 21.00 with registration at the Victoria Car Park, Arbroath, from 14.30 to 15.00 when all anglers leave for their marks. Low water is 19.05.

Chris Horn, one of the organisers, said that a 5lb cod leads the chase for the top prize and he reminded anglers that all the five legs can be fished individually.

Meanwhile, organisers have posted details of the Arbroath Xmas Bash on Saturday, December 28 where the top prize is awarded for the heaviest cod. There are also prizes for the top three heaviest bags and an award for the best dressed Santa.

Entry is £15 and junior entry is £5 and fishing is from 3pm to 9pm. High tide is 12.35pm and low tide 18.30pm and registration is at the Victoria Park, Arbroath, from 1pm to 2pm when all anglers then leave for their marks.

The weigh-in is back at the Victoria Park between 9pm and 10pm and boundaries are Carnoustie to Ferryden. Rules are two hooks and one rod.

Meanwhile, Gordon Lyall caught 40 fish to win leg six of the Edinburgh Winter Shore League at Newhaven Breakwater, a match fished in what organiser Ian Campbell called “atrocious conditions” with torrential rain which left the 21 entrants soaked.

Sea conditions were good with a flat calm and fish were there in numbers with 303 caught, mostly whiting and dab.

Tyneside angler Neil Cutler was second with 33 fish and he now leads the chase for the title on 31 points with Campbell (Falkirk), who was third on Friday with 26 fish, second a point behind and Lyall third, five points adrift.

Advance notice now of another event. The East Fife New Year Open is on Sunday, January 5 with registration at the Victoria Park, Arbroath, from 9.15am to 10am.

Boundaries are from Carnoustie to Ferryden with fishing from 11.00 to 16.00 with the weigh-in at 17.00. Scottish Federation for Sea Anglers rules apply and there are prizes for the first, second and third bags and the heaviest fish.

The Amble Open, which can attract over 400 anglers, including many from Scotland, is also on January 5 from 10.00 to 14.00. Entry is £5 for all classes and the anglers with the the heaviest fish netting £1,000. Registration is now open from local tackle shops or on the day at the Radcliffe Club, Charles Road, Amble NE65 0RA.

Boundaries are the south side of Seahouses Harbour to Cambois Pier, excluding all piers and rivers.