The Scottish Government announced last week that they were introducing a phased approach to considering relaxation of some COVID-19 restrictions. The first phase of easing restrictions includes the possibility of recognising fishing as an approved form of exercise. It was made clear that any relaxation would be subject to some restrictions including maintaining social distancing with members of other households. The guidance gives information on page 39 about travelling for exercise. This states that people are “Permitted to travel short distances for outdoor leisure and exercise but advised to stay within a short distance of your local community (broadly within 5 miles) and travel by walk, wheel and cycle where possible.”
Nicola Sturgeon has just announced that a formal statement will be made on Thursday of this week but at the moment it is not known if, or when, the relaxation will take effect. Until there is a formal Government statement announcing the timing of any relaxation of the restriction on fishing the current situation with closures of rivers and other fisheries will remain in place in Scotland. It will not be possible to fish until the Government announces a change in the current situation.
When the announcement is made the date of the relaxation will also be announced. In common with all fisheries in Scotland the Alness Angling Club waters will remain closed for fishing until the date specified by the Government after which fishing will be permitted, subject to any conditions that are imposed.
