| Youngsters from the Arbroath Community Youth Centre CAFE project took part in an angling workshop at Kingennie Fishings as part of a plan to combat anti-social behaviour.
The Scottish Countryside Alliance Educational Trust launched the programme, “Get Hooked on Fishing Scotland”, after a successful pilot in 2004. Organisers say the scheme will help steer youngsters from urban backgrounds away from crime.
Twelve CAFE kids were taught the basics of fishing —how to handle a rod, cast, land and cook a fish. They were also reminded of the importance of conservation and about having respect for the environment.
Neil Anderson, the Trust’s project manager, said the pilot scheme proved that fishing was a good way of motivating young people.
“Last year we saw boys and girls who had never held a fishing rod before catching their first fish,” he said. “The look on their faces and their obvious excitement shows how powerful angling can be as a motivator for young people. If they have a chance to develop this interest I believe it can change lives.”
Chairman Tony Andrews added, “I was lucky to have a father who took me fishing in the hill lochs of Sutherland and gave me a lifelong love of wild places and fishing. I believe every young Scot should have the same opportunity. Angling can open the horizons of youngsters from urban backgrounds, divert them away from anti-social influences and give them a love for the natural environment.” |
