Coll Fishing Competition.

Sue Anderson.

The Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat visited Arinagour in Coll the island's 18th. Annual Darrow Fishing Competition. Locals and visitors were given the opportunity to view the vessel on what was her third visit to Coll this summer.

Unlike previous years, it was a calm summer's evening and 17 boats went out to the Fishing grounds. The Fishing was good, with mackerel being the main catch and some saithe. The heaviest total catch was 118lbs. in the winning boat skippered by Robert Sturgeon. This was a vast improvement from last year.

The heaviest fish, a saithe weighing just over 3lbs., was caught by local farmer Colin Kennedy. Also on the evening, dozens of children and youngsters were busy fishing off the new pier. This was the biggest turn-out at this pier for many years, owing to the glorious weather. 

A prize giving dance was held the following week, graced by Catriona macKechnie as Fishing Queen. MC for the evening was Alan macFadyen From Glasgow and music was by John Renton from Invereray and Friends. Among the awards presented was the Kittiwake Shield, a new trophy donated by Mr. Richard Fairbairns From Quinish, Mull, which went to the boat with the second heaviest catch.

Competition Results.

Boat with the heaviest total catch -
1: skipper Robert Sturgeon, mate John Moynahan, visitor Robin Piper;
2: skipper Ian MacQuarrie, mate Calum MacQuarrie, visitor Dick Lockwood;
3: skipper Robert Sturgeon Jnr., mate Ruth Sturgeon, visitor Mike Lowther.

Heaviest Fish (local) -
1: Cohn Kennedy;
2: Robert Sturgeon;
3 equal: Robert Sturgeon Jr),-. and John Galbraith.

Heaviest Fish (visitor) -
1: Jim Cowan;
2: Mike Lowther;
3: Archie Walker.

Children, 15-18 years -

David English.

11-15 years -
1: Ian Anderson;
2: Gavin Cowan;
3: equal: Heather Maclntrye and Catherine Ann Walker,

Under 11 -
Julia Pane.