Good morning anglers. Firstly, a big welcome to our new members, and commiserations to our past members who failed to get their permits on time. Please remember that if you're in the latter category, you must simply put your name on our Waiting List in Morison's, and you'll be in again in around 2-3 years time. These days you only have to pay one (lifetime) joining fee, so look on the bright side; if you didn't fish much anyway, you could save money as our fishing costs only £10 per day! We didn't want to lose any of you, however rules are rules, so please don't think too badly of us. While talking about our club administration, a mention is due to Donald Fraser, Laura and their staff at Morison's (especially Mike Fabling) for handling our BAC affairs so efficiently and without demur. They also generously donate prizes for our loch fishing competitions.

COMPETITIONS: The Senior Competition will be held at Tarvie Loch from 7 'till 11pm on Thursday 26th June (24 boat rods on Thursday; any overspill will be handled on Wednesday 25th June); the free Junior Competition will be at Tarvie as usual, this time on Thursday 3rd July from 6 'till 10pm. Would participating Seniors please add their names to the list which is now available at Morison's. The Senior's time is an hour later than usual in order to have a chance at the sedge hatch which should occur if the night is warm enough. As for the Juniors, would the usual seniors please organise their clutch of fishers for the night. Incidentally, at the recent competition on Loch Watten, our 'big fish' man Archie Prentice nearly had the biggest fish. Well done again Archie.

CASTING LESSONS: We enjoyed a well attended session, with most participants leaving the bank-side having greatly improved their casting skills, and with the knowledge of exactly what they would have to concentrate on if the improvement was to continue. Don't forget that our Video Library is there to help too. The Aird Scouts, who meet at Tomnacross School, Kiltarlity, also enjoyed a casting demonstration recently; the Snake Roll was what everyone wanted to try afterwards! Frank Durdle will be demonstrating his skills again at the Kirkhill Gala on Saturday 21st June, so do try to attend; it's always a good day out. and the real beefburgers are scrumptious.

RIVER IMPROVEMENTS: Beat 1 now has addition lies, with the stones supplied courtesy of Sir John Lister-Kay. They were transported and placed by David Tervet, who also carried out some maintenance work for us on Beat 3, all supervised by our new Vice president John (Zakie) Szarkiewicz. Thanks to everyone for their generosity, their time, and their effort.

FISHY STORY: Jim Armitage has just taken the first fish off our water, a sparkling sea-liced 7-pounder. Well done Jim. The fly was a size 12 red shrimp, supplied and possibly tied by Willie Brown, a regular visitor to the Camp Site.

BAC BADGES: We have arranged to have antiqued pewter badges designed and cast for us by Rainnea Graphics at Divachgraphic, Drumnadrochit. The excellent design work was recently approved, hence we hope to receive the badges within the next 6-8 weeks or so. It is possible that all paid up members will receive a badge FOC, however that point and the distribution details have still to be agreed. Frank Durdle will be able to advise appropriately in due course. The badge is round, has BEAULY ANGLING CLUB curving around the top half of the badge, and SCOTLAND around the bottom; haven't we an International emphasis these days! Our trade mark of a leaping salmon with the old Lovat Bridge in the background has been faithfully reproduced. This badge will be a high quality souvenir for any visiting anglers to our water, or even those fishing the better water above. Other angling clubs will probably be keen to use the services of this skilled local business once they see the results.

The River Findhorn was lucky enough to have a good run of fish some time ago, however the higher than normal water temperatures have unfortunately caused a disease to occur; I'm told that a significant number of salmon have been seen dead or dying. # The River Nairn has fared poorly so far, however it never lets us down, so why not use these Exchange Tickets, as the grilse will be crowding into the pools shortly. # According to our reliable contact Bert Brand, the River Don Ardmurdo Beat at Inverurie is much improved as a consequence of the Winter floods, with one angler recently having salmon on three consecutive days! The fish currently stop next to the fishing hut on the corner. Please remember that our Exchange Tickets for the Don do not cover Thursdays or Saturdays (or Sundays). # Don't forget that we have ongoing concessionary pricing arrangements with a number of fishery proprietors. This year we have added Abban Water at Lochend to our list, but with the concession being for sporting tickets only so far. The loch is fairly shallow, but holds several species of hard fighting fish: why not give it and our other waters a try this season. # Incidentally, I've not had time to update our database, so recent ex- members will also receive a Newsletter on this occasion; Our generosity clearly knows no bounds! Very tight lines.

Ewen M Robertson, SAC Newsletter Editor