Testimonials from our Clients
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.
Gary Borland
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.
