11 minute read
Photo Focus zooms in on Alan Scott
The problem arose when deciding who was going to retrieve the lure from the mouth of this fish with all those snapping teeth. Go out and try your luck with those impressive predators. A spinning rod of 10ft or so is all you need but don’t forget the wire trace. Most tackle shops will have lures and baits and will advise you on what’s best locally. Dress up appropriately with warm and waterproof clothing. There are many species of coarse fish to be caught. Perch is one of the main species targeted. The lochs in Argyllshire and from Perthshire south all contain perch. In the Trossachs and Galloway some really big specimens can be found. Worm and maggot often produce great sport with fish up to three or four pounds. There are commercial coarse fishing venues too. Orchil Fishing near Braco in Perthshire, Magiscroft near Cumbernauld, Broom at Annan, and Springwater in Ayrshire all have Carp, Roach, Rudd, and many other species. The lower reaches of the Clyde and the Forth & Clyde Canal systems also have many species including Tench and Bream. Finally, what about sea fishing? Scotland has over 1,000 miles of shoreline to explore. You can fish from sandy beaches to rocky shorelines and even in harbours. No licence is required either. It is always exciting as you can never be sure what you’re going to catch. Boat fishing, either with friends or on a charter boat, can be great fun. At most ports you will find a charter boat to take you out. Wreck fishing, or from recognised marks, you can be sure of some great sport. With fish like sharks, flatfish, congers, cod or skate, Scotland has a wealth of fish waiting for you to enjoy. You may also take the odd fish to eat, freshly caught by you, what could be better? Whatever type of fishing you decide to try in the winter in Scotland, you can be assured of stunning scenery, wildlife aplenty and a great day out. You could see otters, kingfishers, and eagles. A pod of dolphins or even killer whales will make for a memorable day. Enjoy. What will I be doing? Well, if I’m not out fishing, I will be in my cosy workshop making a fishing rod – could it be yours?”
Visit: www.simbarods.com
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Alan Scott’s obsession with photography started in the autumn of 2015, the Strathaven based photographer said, “I have always taken photos with phones and, years ago, instamatic cameras. I had an Olympus OM 40 Camera at one point prior to the kids coming along and got some decent results despite not having a clue about what I was doing. Then two amazing bundles of energy came into my life, competitive swimming followed and a busy working life. I was lucky to get an afternoon’s fishing, nevermind thinking about photography. Then, suddenly, they were all away to Uni to study and swim. I had a void to fill. It was time to focus on photography and fishing.” Support helps, Alan told us, “I have had lots of encouragement from friends on Facebook and other photographers on Flickr which has given me more confidence to experiment and keep at it. It’s a great way of capturing and creating memories.” Alan’s photography talents were noticed, he continued, “I’ve been lucky enough to have photos published in fishing magazines, local newspapers, online publications, and corporate websites and magazines. I’m also proud to say our Financial Director at work seems to like my photos and two poster sized Glasgow city scenes hang in our office. I appreciate my good lady has let me spend more cash and time on this hobby than I should.” We asked Alan about his favourite location in winter, he told us, “there are some many places I love in Scotland in the winter. But the one that tops it for me is Perthshire, in particular, the area round Dunkeld. Even though it attracts lots of tourists it seems unscarred by tourism. There is so much to appreciate, from the architecture in Dunkeld, the walks along the river and the history. The landscape along the river is nothing short of spectacular.” Alan Scott’s photo of a wintry Ben Nevis taken from the end of the Caledonian Canal.
Photo Focus
BE WILD IN STLYE
By Deborah Anderson
Photo by Linda Mellor
Photo by Linda Mellor
“I’m Deborah, I started the Scottish lifestyle concept ‘Be Coorie’ in the last 2 years, and am passionate about Scotland, cosy interiors, the outdoors, and being resilient to our harsh weather. As the Norwegians say, ‘there’s no bad weather; only bad clothing’.
I’m thankful of my childhood here in Perthshire and how it has formed me as an adult. Perthshire is where my heart belongs and it’s a catalyst that drives the momentum for my creativeness, inspiring me and carving the path of how I live, work, and spend my free time. From a young age, I loved the wilderness and endlessly appreciated growing up in a small hamlet in Perthshire, on the edge of a wood. I was always out exploring nature, fauna, and the surrounding countryside, either with family, on my own or on horseback. Heading off to the most remote areas I could find, no mobile phones, and no time constraints, in search of the peace and serenity that is found within nature. As I write, I can almost feel that sensation of freedom, that notion I felt then, and it evokes an immense sense of gratitude. Remembering beautiful vistas, conjuring up images, memories, and dreams from past years: the ones you can only achieve when you are on the hills with not another soul in sight and at one with nature. My childhood formed who I am today, and makes me chase my cravings for a grounded, simple, happy, and adventurous life.
There is nothing quite like having that hunger for the outdoors, feeling the pull to the stunning backdrops. To feel your breath as you gasp in the cool, crisp outdoor air as you walk, surrounded by, what feels like, an infinity of space. It stimulates your mind’s desires. I feel very privileged to have had this and for this to be awakened within me and to be conscious of my own needs. I’m deeply passionate about nature and very much of the opinion that is not for us, but it is very much part of us and, how we conduct ourselves in the countryside, is vitally important. We can’t just take from nature selfishly, fulfilling our own needs for tranquility, space, and openness, but we must also show respect to all things that are placed upon this earth. I have recently added a new venture to my Be Coorie lifestyle concept with Volkswagen Campervan hire. I aim to bring attention to conscious awareness and sharing my ideas on how we can live in Scotland. My lifestyle approach follows a mindful, responsible, and ethical path. It’s not only on a physical level, but also social and biological cycles. There has never been a more prevalent time to consider this. Could it be time to transform our day-to-day activities, change the way we think, travel, and enjoy our spectacular country?
To rise with the sun in one of my campervans, to follow the road in front of me, and go off the beaten track, gives me a sense of freedom, exploration, and adventure. I need this often to feed my soul, heart, and body. I have reached 40, and I’m very mindful now of what I need to keep me balanced and happy within our present world of craziness. This way of life that I’m trying to encompass is not just for me but also for the benefit of my children. They are the future, and they need to be educated to have these same principles. To give them the tools to resist the inevitable move to a world of screens and technology. Also, now with our movement towards remote working, enable us to rethink how and where we live and how we choose to spend our valuable time. It becomes vital to educate our children more and more on how to live well.
As I travel around in my VW campervan making conscious decisions to where we will go, how we will protect ourselves and others, but most of all, be responsible for our own actions. I am conscious of how we can help our Scottish countryside, embrace our traditions, support our local producers in an ethical and sustainable manner. There is something intensely magical about sitting round a fire alone or with company and this is what I mean by living by the Be Coorie way. It is a way of life. Whether we are lighting a fire indoors or outside, we are embracing the cooler weather by creating a cosy space and celebrating the need of one of the most natural elements, fire.
Being out in the wilds, gives you the sense of infinity, feeding your soul, resetting from the week’s chores and daily work, and the repeat sleep routine. We need time to reconnect with ourselves and truly feel what being alive is. My Be Coorie lifestyle is about learning to live a satisfied and fulfilled life, while enjoying the simple pleasures: rustic, and natural.
photos by Yuri Janssen
On one of our wintry trips out (whilst guidelines allowed) in the campervan, we hadn’t ventured far to one of my favourite local spots on the south shores of Loch Earn. We woke up on a cold morning, the crisp winter’s sun crept through the edges of the insulation we wrapped around the interiors of the roof top. We peered from the window and to see the steam rising from the hills, and the mist over the loch. It is mystical and enchanting to watch as the sun’s rays bounced off the chilly land and warmed up the frost on the surrounding fields. Climbing down to open the door, you felt the sharp cold air as it made its way into the van. It’s invigorating to take the first step out into the wilds: the smell of a new day, and fresh scents. The quietness touches your heart and fills you with hope and aspirations.
On a cold, dry winter’s morning, there is nothing quite like waking up on the edge of a hill or loch, looking down as the mist hovers over the landscape. It is magical and stirring, touching your inner pull to nature, and captivating your spirit. My inner child is excited just listening to the kettle as it whistles on the hob, it takes me back to childhood. The ritual of making that first coffee and the task of preparing your flask for the day’s adventure is a simple pleasure that is savoured and appreciated. Morning activities usually consist of collecting wood for a fire by the loch with an aim to cook breadsticks, local sausages, and marshmallows, what else would we need? However, we are mindful of how we create our fire and use a fire basket so we do not damage the ground. We leave no evidence that we have been there and can assure ourselves that we leave our camping spot as we found it. This is something I wish people respected more in local beauty spots throughout Scotland. Using a fire basket also contains the fire, it is safer, and easier to extinguish quickly if need be and doesn’t cause harm to the eco system living below. Once we had prepped for our fire, we explored the start of Ben Vorlich, walking up the start of this formidable mountain. The children are grateful for its gentle inclines at the start. We stopped to take stock and admire the stunning scenery below. The need to climb tempted us to go just a little higher, to enable us to take in the entirety of the stunning loch. I opened the flask and enjoyed the vista.
Having the scope to set up anywhere in the campervan can offer us an invaluable and much needed break and help us to leave behind the week’s troubles. There is so much to offer and it’s all on our doorstep: swimming in lochs, off-road mountain biking, outdoor dining experiences, and picnics in the hills. It’s all available here in our tiny country, the choice of adventure is endless, before retreating for the night into a cosy and safe campervan. Be Coorie is all about learning to live a satisfied and fulfilled life while enjoying the simple pleasures. What can be more freeing, natural or simple than being by a loch, sat by a fire and enjoying morning walks roaming in the fresh air. Ignite your fire within, feed your soul and beckon your inner explorer. Follow the Be Coorie journey as we head out into the wild, to areas all accessible for a short break away as we explore and experience nature. Be Coorie is a way of life.”
Visit: www.becoorie.com
photo by Yuri Janssen
