SUMMER FISHING FUN IN ARINAGOUR...

The annual fishing competition was held on July 27th and had an added interest this year as boat crews competed to be the 'Best Presented Boat'.

The crews gave this challenge such serious thought that it was impossible to decide an outright winner. Judges, Jamie and Fiona Carnie, declared a draw and the new trophy, donated by Kevin Oliphant of the Coll Hotel, is shared between John Fraser who, with the assistance of Charlie Self and Beth Hazell - and perhaps some wishful thinking - presented his boat Stormbringer, as a floating gin palace and Kevin Oliphant in MV Skive II, the floating fire crew.

Nineteen boats left the Middle Pier in Arinagour on what was a perfect fishing night, so it was not surprising that the catches were high. The boat with the heaviest catch was Stormbringer, skippered by John Fraser with Charlie Self as Mate and George Barrie the visitor. A total catch of 310lbs gained John the Angus Kennedy Cup, Charlie the STV Cup and George Barrie, the Coll Association Cup.

The boat with the second best total catch with 194lbs was Slade, skippered by Roy Barrie with Brian Maclntyre as Mate. Roy was presented with the Mackenzie Cup.

The boat with the third best total catch with 189lbs was skippered by Lauchie MacLean Bristol with Helen Ramage as Mate.

There was also considerable success for those fishing off the pier, as well as a certain amount of jostling for the best position from which to fish. Moira Maclntyre was undoubtedly the most successful earning her first place in the adult section with a catch weighing 61b 8oz. In second place was Barbara Payne and in third, Elaine Barrie.

Other results were: Heaviest Fish (Local) 1. Helen Ramage 2. Fiona Kennedy 3 Ruth Sturgeon; Heaviest Fish (visitor) 1. Kenny Bell 2. Willie Allan 3. Pete MacDonald; Children off the pier (11 -15 years) 1. Robbie Payne, 2 Russell Mann; (under 11 years) 1. Domhail lain Simpson 2. Ian Kilpatrick 3 Sam and Ewan Rutherford/Richard Wilde

ACM