Testimonials

Testimonials from our Clients

Jon McCleary

I had the great pleasure of fishing two days in September with Ian. We began with casting instruction and soon moved on to fishing. The water of River Findhorn is varied with deep pools, fast moving runs and boulder filled sections where fish may seek rest after ascending the lower river.

On day two, David Johnstone and I fished together. I had the honor of netting two fish for David. The first, a 6 pound grilse and later in the fading light of dusk, a grand 18 pound salmon.

This was my first time fishing Scotland and I am planning my return for next spring. I enjoyed the company of Ian and his two charming black labs, it is one of my great fishing memories.

This is a magical place because of its natural beauty, history and traditions, I feel honored to have experienced it. Thank you, Ian.

JM

Michael

Just to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my three days at Altyre. Always nice to fish a new beat, particularly one as attractive as Altyre. Obviously being lucky enough to catch a fish on my first day made the whole experience a lot more pleasurable, particularly in light of the lack of fish since I was there. As always, how one does remains in the hands of the fishing gods and fortunately I’m generally blessed with more luck than most!

Ali did a great job looking after me and juggled four rods on two beats expertly. Fishing a new beat is always a lot easier with someone who knows what they’re on.

Definitely keen to come back next year.

Many thanks

Michael.

Steve Brown

Hi Ian .

Thank you so much for the opportunity to fish at Altyre over the last 3 days. The scenery and pools along the beat were amazing and what an arena to catch my first Salmon on fly for over 2 decades. I hooked another Tuesday evening in the tail of Palamore but it rolled on the surface and was gone. 

Ali gave myself excellent advice plus encouragement that greatly improved my fly fishing skills over the 3 days. He was right on the money where he told me to expect a take in the Garden pool minutes before I hooked the fish. 

Many thanks to yourself and Ali for the opportunity to fish Altyre and would definitely take up the opportunity to fish next spring if there was availability. 

Tightlines for the rest of the season and maybe I might head up to the Findhorn later in July or August. 

Carol MacIntyre

Good evenin’, Ian!

Yes, we had a wonderful time with you, dear Ian.  Your name was on our lips all day:  Ian said this,  Ian told a story about, Ian taught me this, Ian recommended that….  We benefited from our connection with you in innumerable ways.

Thank you for the memorable photos. I will send a few photos I took of you and Jeff, too.  It is nice to look at the places we were fishing to remember how closely attuned we were to each fishing hole.  Even though we didn’t land a fish, we both captured many memories of jumping salmon, leaning how to cast with the Spey rod, getting to know you, and being present in such a special place in Scotland!

You are a good man.  Thank you for making our day with you so special

Andrew Quick

“We head home today after a fabulous 2 days on the Findhorn with Alistair. It was everything I’d hoped for when I first contacted you way back in the cold and dark of winter, and more. No fish for any of us unfortunately, but plenty of them in the river quite clearly which kept things interesting throughout. We were blessed too with fine weather, albeit I’m sure the experts would have liked more rain and higher water levels. They looked fine to me, and certainly made for a beautiful truly stunning environment in which to spend the time – you are fortunate to live in a very beautiful part of the world. Alistair provided invaluable guidance and assistance and was excellent company throughout, showing plenty of patience for this particular novice. Thank you so much for organising everything for us, including Alistair. As I say, it was just fabulous!”

Gary Borland

I wanted to drop you a brief note to say thank you for such a wonderful experience over my time on the Altyre Beat.  It’s certainly the most stunning river I’ve fished and a jewel in the crown of Scotland’s fishing, made possible by your care and stewardship over the years.

“Thank you for a wonderful afternoon on the Findhorn. I appreciated your guidance and patience in guiding me into a completely new fly fishing discipline.”

Ron Jungalwalla,  Australia.

“You will indeed see me again in the future, as my trip in August does bring back very fond memories for me. It was Salmon fishing heaven! Despite the low flows we experienced, everything was perfect, from the fishing, the accommodation and the general area including pubs we went to around Forres. And of course those marvellous cakes of Barbara’s.”

Richard Rudge

After a hot bath and a few large whiskeys, I almost feel human. I had an amazing time and thank you for you patience and guidance. I WILL be doing that again!

Jim Pool

I would like to thank you for providing us with a superb time on the Findhorn last week. When I arrived I was a bit intimidated by the sight of the fishing particularly in the gorge, by the end of the week I was able to appreciate the fabulous variety of pools offered by this great river. At the start of the week I was hoping to catch 1 fish during the week, to catch 3 was exceptional. I particularly appreciated your help on Monday morning when you patiently stood by whilst I messed up those takes. Though that morning, I should probably have caught 3 fish, I feel that learning the lesson of letting the fish take line from the reel, before reacting was very valuable and will stand me in good stead in future. When I was getting takes on Saturday I felt much more that I knew what I was supposed to do.

Peter Sweet

Many thanks to Barbara, yourself, Frances and Sarah for a great week at Bradbush. Peter and I really enjoyed ourselves and feel very privileged to have actually caught some springers. Just fishing is of course wonderful because of the river and the scenery but the fish are the icing on the cake.

David Clark

Altyre had everything in a beat I was looking for. I was overjoyed to have the ability to roam and explore (as you witnessed) with such a variety of pools at our disposal. In what I call my “dream fishing” – those hours in between fishing, I cast a line down New Pool, Roan and Pallamore.

John Thorpe, Cornwall

Hello Ian and Barbara,
I would like to thank you from the depth of my heart for the 3 magical days fishing on Glenferness, but more importantly your wonderful hospitality. I’m a lucky man to be able to fish with such a perfectionist as Mike Leach, watching and learning and netting his fish! You have an amazing setup and look after your guests with 5 star treatment, the food, the rooms and the towels make a working class gent from Glasgow feel really special. Since I came back I’ve been pondering all the wildlife we have seen, the beautiful river we fished and the fantastic company and will definitely be back for more, if my wife allows.

Peter Duncan

Thank you very much for everything you did for my father and I over the weekend. I had a fantastic time staying and fishing with you. I really enjoyed the challenge of learning to Spey cast and am very keen to try it again soon.

Alex Malloy

I just wanted to thank you and Barbara for your excellent hospitality earlier in the month.
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, and our first stay in Bradbush – you’ve set it up as fine accommodation and it complements the fishing brilliantly.

Paul West

Very many thanks to yourself and Barbara for the last few days at Altyre and Bradbush.  It was a delightful experience, and also successful from the fishy point of view.
With Bradbush, I think that Barbara and you have created something something very special indeed.  In combination with Altyre, it seems the perfect combination for the discerning fishing party.  I unreservedly support Paul’s comment at breakfast yesterday that he has never had been more comfortable or better looked after while on a fishing trip.

Don Milne

This is so special….we have been fishing together for more than 20 years but rarely have we seen conditions and circumstances like we experienced over the last 3 days. Absolutely stunning….everything…the welcome, your immaculate preparation as always, with maps, walkie talkie and even chocolate biscuits! Nothing goes by you without careful consideration and your record of a casual conversation with Roddie some years ago overlooking Poll Beag was never going to be forgotten. You just waited for the opportunity and then applied the principle when your instincts told you everything was right. The last 3 days were so special in that it sort of recapitulated everything we have shared together – searching out wild places, reading the water, test fishing new pools, even pools that were not known as pools and mostly sharing the experience, ideas and knowledge together. Furthermore, expert as you are, you always treat me as an equal and always listen carefully to my opinion and assessment. You were born to do this – thank you for asking me to share it with you.

Michael Leach.

I am safe at home or better in my office. I miss even now the fishing, the great river, your lovable  house and the fantastic lunches and dinners. Thank you for great hospitality with a very warm heart. I have seen many places in the world. Cannot remember a place which I can compare. Be sure that I will come back.

Best and warm regards to both of you from Cologne, Ernst Schleippman.

Thank you for sending the lovely photo of Felicity and Toby on the Findhorn. What a wonderful day we enjoyed with you on that magical river. As a long-time fisherman I found standing in the fabled Findhorn a very spiritual experience and although I wasn’t able to fish as energetically as I would have liked, I took great satisfaction from watching the kids casting so stylishly, thanks to your skilled instruction. The sound, the colour and the beautiful backdrop were very, very special indeed and I dream of repeating our visit perhaps in April/May next year when there may be the chance of a big fish and some enthusiastic trout.

Geoff Smith.

Thanks for a super holiday, the fish and all the photos, which have just come through. The whole family have had a lovely time.

James Tully.

Hi Ian and Barbara, Carlo and I want to thank you so much for such a great stay and great fishing. We enjoyed every minute and we wanted to tell you what a beautiful home you have. Barbara when you get a moment if you could send me the Sticky Toffee recipe I would love to share it with our friends. Thanks again.

Lynn and Carlo Bongio, California.

Having arrived home safely, I am writing to thank you and Barbara for a most enjoyable visit to the Findhorn and to your home. I should also mention Sarah’s excellent cooking. I hope to be able to make a repeat visit next year if at all possible and will contact you again nearer the time.

Malcolm Dutchman-Smith, Cheshire.

I have not fished a better looking and fishy beat and I can’t recall being accompanied by a more experienced and knowledgeable guide ever. If you have any vacancies next year please don’t hesitate to call me over whatever the price, Spring fishing is my thing.

Ron Sutherland, Helmsdale.