Two of the world’s top exponents of Speycasting will offer free tuition on the River Ness during June in Casting Clinics organised byh Inverness Angling Club. Former world champions and record holders Gordon Armstrong and Scott Mackenzie will lead tuition at the Little Isle Pool, next to the Bught Park, each Wednesday evening in June (June 8, 15, 22 and 29).

The club is making a particular effort to attract young anglers to the clinics this year, says club president Mike Campbell. “We have a very healthy junior section, numbering around 150 each year, and we want to help them develop the commitment and skills that will ensure the future of the club,” said Mike. “They are the next generation of Speycasters and, potentially, tomorrow’s world champions and record breakers.

“Any young people interested in joining the club, adults new to salmon angling, and anglers who want to improve their technique, will also be welcome. All will get the benefit of one-to-one tuition from Gordon and Scott, assisted by expert club members.”

Scott Mackenzie was ghillie at Ness Side on the River Ness until setting up his rod and line production business, Mackenzie Fly Fishing. He was the first to break the Speycasting distance record set in 1895 by Alexander Grant, the Inverness businessman who invented the famed Grant Vibration Rod. In a competition held on the General’s Well Pool by the Ness Islands, Grant cast 65 yards. Scott – three times world Speycasting champion – broke the record in 2005, with a cast of 68 yards.

Gordon Armstrong, ghillie on the neighbouring beat of Ness Castle, has also taken the world championship on three occasions. He first took the championship from Scott in 2006, setting a world Speycasting record of 73.5 yards. He is the current holder of the record for the 15ft rod, casting 62 yards.