A Tayside fly fishing company’s phone has been ringing off the hook thanks to the Ewan McGregor blockbuster film Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.
Since the film was released in the UK just over a week ago, Salmo International has seen a 60% rise in inquiries for its bespoke fly fishing packages.
Company founder Greig Thomson, of Dundee, said women in particular have been besieging his phone line since watching Scots-born Hollywood star McGregor in the film. Understandably, he is now beaming from ear-to-ear with the increased business.
Greig said: ”We’re calling it the Yemen effect, as since the film came out last weekend the phones have been ringing off the hook with inquiries about fishing on the Tay, Dee, the Spey and further afield.
”Interestingly, many of these are from female first-timers who’ve become smitten and are looking for the full tuition package. Also, the more experienced types who’ve hung up their waders and haven’t been on the river for a few years are now looking to rekindle the thrill of landing a wild salmon in the Scottish Highlands.”
Mr Thomson set up Salmo International to bring to the market a brand with a distinctly modern approach to fishing, catering for the new generation of angler and old.
”I firmly believe that salmon and trout fishing is now a sport open to the masses and that it’s vital to nurture the next generation by providing accessible, productive and quality fishing to suit all budgets,” he said.
As well as guiding fisher folk on Scotland’s legendary rivers, Mr Thomson and his team have partnerships with fishing camps and lodges in numerous countries including Argentina, Canada, Cuba, Norway, Russia, Sweden and Iceland.
”I definitely view this as a key growth area for the business,” he said. ”Since the film came out, we’ve had numerous requests about our international fishing, including week-long trips in South America, but unsurprisingly no-one’s asked about Yemen just yet.”
The British romantic comedy, which co-stars Emily Blunt and Kristin Scott Thomas, tells the story of a fishing-obsessed sheik fulfilling his vision of introducing salmon fishing to the desert country of Yemen.
”This movie could be the best thing to happen to the sport since Brad Pitt starred in A River Runs Through It 20 years ago,” Greig said. ”People are waking up to the fact that salmon fishing is one of those rare pastimes that combines adrenalin and adventure with nature and relaxation, all set in a stunning outdoors location.
”Given the number of female inquiries we’ve had, it’s no longer being considered a macho sport either.”
Fly fishing contributes significantly to the £240 million annual value of country sports tourism to Scotland.