The Corona Virus Act 2020 was passed by the UK Parliament on 25th March 2020.  The Act gives the Scottish Ministers the power to introduce specific regulations for the protection of public health which based around staying at home apart from, social distancing and unnecessary travel. The committee have already referred to these regulations on our website and advised anglers to stay at home.

As the number of deaths from coronavirus and positive cases increases in Scotland, the committee have decided as a matter of urgency to introduce an emergency byelaw suspending angling across the Lomond system.

“ Emergency Bye Law of the L.L.A.I.A made under Rule 12(g) of the Constitution 31st March 2020.”

“With immediate effect due to the CoVid-19 virus and Government advice, all fishing on L.L.A.I.A controlled waters is suspended until further notice and ongoing regular review in line with Government advice. For the avoidance of doubt all fishing by rod and line either for all fish species including Salmon, Sea Trout, Brown Trout or Coarse Fish is suspended on all parts of the Clyde Estuary,  R Leven, R Fruin, Endrick Water and Loch Lomond and includes all waters to which an LLAIA season membership, weekly or day ticket gives the holder the right to fish.  Any member or permit holder found fishing during this suspension period will have their permits removed and reported to the Committee. Revocation of this Emergency Bye Law will only happen when Government advice on CoVid-19 is relaxed and this will be advertised on LLAIA Media”

This byelaw is effective immediately –  1240hrs on 31 March 2020.

There has been an excellent response from anglers to the advice previously posted, which this bylaw reinforces.

Sales of day tickets for game and coarse fishing has ceased and we advise anyone applying for a renewal or new membership that fishing cannot commence until the government regulations are relaxed.

Police Scotland have the powers under the Act to fine persons in breach of government regulations

This is an unprecedented step for the Association to take, but such is the gravity of the situation. We have a duty to ensure that everyone keeps safe, for their own sake and others.

Regards

Jim Raeburn

Chairman LLAIA.