A charity set to make a special trip up to Perth to spend the weekend fishing at Willowgate has branded its closure a “waste of a great venue.”
County Durham organisation, Fishing With Tom, aims to help disadvantaged young people do more with their lives through angling and had hoped to visit the popular fishery in March.
A group of eight young and disabled anglers have now been left disappointed following the shock closure.
Founder Tom Carroll told us the charity feels “let down” by Perth and Kinross Council’s decision as Willowgate was one of only a few places that met their needs.
“One of our sponsors who lives in the Perth area put us on to this fishery, for it was set up to teach youth and disabled anglers something we are very passionate about,” he said.
“We feel let down by the local council and not the fishery, as this was something that could have been avoided. Those people looking forward to the trip are, as you can imagine, upset at the closure as it is very hard to find a place that can take problematic young people, as well as the disabled.”
The charity had already paid a deposit towards their accommodation, but thankfully this will be returned to them and they have also been given the chance to fish at another venue.
However, Mr Carroll said that a lot of money would be lost in the Perth area not just from his charity but from other groups and individuals.
“It would seem that the owners of the fishery turned land no longer used into a place fit to bring not just anglers, but families,” he added.Struggling area”It is, as far as we can tell, up for an award for its work and development of the area. People had been employed, with a huge amount of money going into a struggling area.
“We would have spent, including the B&B, around £1000 over the two days, but this will now not happen because of the closure.
“Our B&B was booked online and we can get back our deposit, but we feel that the owners should keep it as it is not their fault the fishery has closed.”
Echoing the sentiments of Mr Carroll was John Turner (76) from Comrie, who said he had been “greatly upset” when he heard the news that Willowgate was to close.
Mr Turner, who has been involved in fishing and angling all his life, said the council’s decision would prove to be a tragedy.
“The chap running Willowgate has made great efforts to improve the beats on the Tay and the local environment and also to encourage wildlife, such as waders and swans,” he said.
“The cafe is also an excellent place to visit and really, I think the whole enterprise is a credit to him.” Mr Turner added, “I meet many people who speak very highly of the Willowgate and I know people visit from all over the country.”
He continued, “We are always being told how important angling is to Perthshire and how important Perthshire tourism is to Scotland.
“Willowgate has been a huge asset to the countryside and to the local area and I think the council should be doing all it can to get its owner through these problems.
“For the council to close it down is a disgrace.”
Photo courtesy of www.taysalmon.co.uk.