Craig Ogilvie launches recruitment drive for Bass Rock Shore Angling League

Keen fisherman Craig Ogilvie is sticking with Government advice and staying at home like millions of others in virus-wracked Britain after the joiner was laid-off from a building site. But he does not want cabin fever to set in so the 41-year-old has launched a recruitment drive for the popular Bass Rock Shore Angling League.

The club have, of course, temporarily shut down their competition schedule, but Craig, from North Berwick, is determined to put his spare time to good use.

And so he launched a social media campaign this week to kick-start off a drive to recruit new members for the Wednesday night events at various locations in East Lothian.

The fast-growing club is registered with the Scottish Federation of Sea Anglers (SFSA) and is insured; matches are between 7pm and 10pm with registration at 6.30pm.

Craig, the league’s chairman and a well-known competition angler in Scotland, said: “We fish in numerous locations throughout south-east Scotland, but mostly in the North Berwick or Dunbar area.

“We have 20 events per year, eight in our Summer League, and 12 in our Winter League.”

Some competitions are on a Rover event when members can pick their own marks (place to fish) and there are prizes for the heaviest fish and heaviest bag. And, if members are fishing on a specified the beach location, there are prizes for the total measurement and the longest fish.

Currently, the club has members from as far afield as

Livingston and Balerno.

The club has also has members from Penicuik, Edinburgh and Berwick, but Craig said most are from the North Berwick, Port Seton, Haddington and Dunbar areas.

Interest is spreading and Craig has received inquiries from Falkirk as news travels about their regular events.

Match locations last year included Musselburgh Beach, an interesting venue as the tide went out quickly leaving members to chase the water, Dunbar Harbour, Thorntonloch Beach near Torness Power Station, and St Abbs near Coldingham.

The annual membership is £10 for adults and £5 for pensioners and disabled anglers.

Children fish free but under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.

Beginners and novices can join for free during their first year and Craig said the club is dedicated to helping beginners progress in the sport.

He added: “We will resume service as soon as the Government and the SFSA say it is OK to have public gatherings again but I am really keen to attract more people to our events.”

Anybody interested in joining can contact Barry McEwan, the club’s treasurer, on 0781 392 4555. Memberships can be taken in person or via bank transfer.