Yes, I know its been a very, very long time, suffice it to say illness and injuries have taken their toll over the past year.

Before I start my usual spiel, above is a picture of my old friend David Low who died recently and was laid to rest yesterday in Musselburgh at St Michaels's Church.

David was an old dear friend who had led what may be termed a colourful life, but above all else, he was a fisherman par excellence !. This picture shows him last year on Arienas with a nice fish taken by his favourite method 0 the Dap. No modern methods for David either - the rod was over 60 years old, the floss about the same, and the flies were like tube flies with a tiny treble attached.

More importantly, David will be remembered for his fishing on the Spey - and he could name every pool, every fish he caught, and what fly he used !. He was ill for some time, and after talking about it over a few drams I invited him as a guest. He could ruffle a few feathers, and yes, he probably did. He did however thoroughly enjoy himself, and his wife Risa even got into a nice fish, unfortunately only to lose it at the net. - but that's another story as my friend Mr Williams can confirm !

Anyway David - you will be sadly missed, and as promised I will tie up the pattern we discussed and name it after you - only for use on the Spey of course.

Otherwise, FISHMORVERN is back to fighting fit and getting ready for the new season. Also following popular request, esp from fishers from Devon and East Anglia look out for regular reports.