Guidance for anglers during Coronavirus

The First Minister has announced further easing of travel restrictions from Friday 16 April 2021 and of other restrictions from Monday 26 April.

Continuing progress to reduce the spread of the coronavirus in Scotland, coupled with the roll-out of the vaccine programme and other measures, means that there has been further easing of the restrictions from Friday 16 April, with a move to Level 3 across Scotland from 26 April.

Angling is now permissible for groups of up to 6 people from 6 separate households. Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards this number.

In addition, changes to travel restrictions mean that you are now able to travel anywhere throughout Scotland for any purpose, including angling, but must stay within the more general requirements with regard to restricting the spread of COVID-19.

Everyone should continue to follow the five principles behind the Scottish Government’s FACTS campaign:

·       F – wear a Face covering

·       A – Avoid crowded places

·       C – Clean hands and surfaces regularly

·       T – stay Two metres from other people

·       S – Self-isolate and book a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms

Detailed guidance on safe conduct while angling is available on the Angling Scotland website and from Fisheries Management Scotland.

Club competitions, outings etc

Outdoor non-contact sports and organised group exercise is permitted for all adults, in groups of up to 15 people. This includes gatherings for fishing competitions, subject to all other arrangements in place regarding travel, suitable distancing, etc.

Club outings or group meetings, etc are not yet permitted under the current restrictions.

Fishing huts etc

Fishing huts and similar facilities may be reopened from Monday 26 April.  However, access to the hut should be pre-booked and restricted to one household or group at any time. In addition, the facility should be properly stocked and cleaned between bookings, and all other, more general restrictions and advice, for example with regard to hygiene and social distancing, must be observed by those using the facility.

Detailed guidance on opening up sports and similar facilities is available on sportsscotland’s website.

Sea angling

Sea angling from the shore is allowed, provided that anglers comply with the more general requirements with regard to travel and the rules on meeting other households.

Sea angling from private boats with members of your own household is also allowed.

Charter Boats

Angling from charter boats is permissible from Monday 26 April, but that activity must continue to be conducted in line with wider restrictions on physical distancing, good hygiene practice etc.

Detailed guidance on charter boat fishing has been prepared by Angling Scotland.

Travelling from other parts of the UK to fish in Scotland

From Monday 26 April travel between Scotland and other parts of the UK will be allowed. People should, however, check the rules on entry to Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man before travel.

Holiday accommodation can reopen from 26 April 2021, including hotels, B&Bs and self-catering, subject to following in-house socialising rules.

Further guidance

It is hoped that further relaxations of the COVID-19 restrictions in Scotland will be possible from 17 May and beyond, into June and July. For further information please continue to check the Scottish Government’s web pages on coronavirus.

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