Despite the news of impending massive snow storms, FAA had their Opening Season Ceremony in bright sunshine,albeit a bit cold.
Our President, now retired Dr David Sneddon, welcomed around 70 members to the Stoney pool and thanked Major McLeod, Riparian land owner, for allowing the ceremony to take place and being able to attend. Thanks were also given to Mr Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager of Benromach Single Malt who sponsored the event.
Our sponsors presented Mr Neil Ellison with a small token of our appreciation after it was announced his imminent retirement. Neil was thanked for his assistance over the past years at both the Opening and AGM ceremonies.
Mr Sandy McLachlan was also presented with a small gift from Benromach Single Malt and our piper Shaun was given a small box of flies for turning up on his birthday to pipe both Keith Cruickshank and Sandy McLachlan to the river for the customary pouring of whisky into the river.
Refreshments were served and after a number of further photo shoots, members returned to the water to resume their chances of landing the first fish of the season.
Although only one kelt was caught and returned, all welcomed the new season with enthusiastic vigour and hopes of better fishing days ahead.
Mr George Munro hoped to keep his 70th birthday on the Opening day a secret but news travels quick and the membership wish him a belated happy birthday and lots of fish this year.
13 February 2013
Opening Ceremony 2013
