The Kenmore Seminar

Leading figures from the angling world convened in Kenmore on Tuesday to attend the third Kenmore Seminar. Previous seminars have focused on challenging environmental issues impacting upon riverine habitats and facing the future development of the salmon fishing sector.

Funding environmental activity is an ongoing challenge for those groups and organizations concerned with protecting and enhancing fishy habitats and this year the seminar focused its attention upon addressing this issue. The seminar was chaired by Fiona Armstrong and commenced with a typically robust presentation from Professor David Bellamy who exhorted delegates to approach the subject of environmental conservation in a way which drew together the representatives of the full range of interests.

Jon Humphrey presented delegates with a basic guide to enhancing communication and marketing activities on behalf of campaigning organizations, stressing the need to ensure that any communication activity is targeted and focused upon addressing the specific interests of the audience.

Margaret Barnes of The National Fire Service Benevolent Fund introduced delegates to the nuances of funding applications to private charitable trusts and foundations.

Major General Andrew Whitehead (ret’d) former head fundraiser for the River and Fisheries Trust (Scotland) spoke of the ups and downs of fundraising, and drew heavily on his personal experience and the difficulties encountered when applying for large sums of money from government backed funding institutions.

Laura MacLeod of Sports Scotland explained the criteria that her organization applies to applications to grant aid.

David Fox-Pitt a professional charity event fund raiser form Activities and Events Ltd. (Edinburgh), talked about the fund raising capabilities of large scale events and the logistics associated with them.

Allan Suttie, from an environmental education organization Jetset, spoke of his work on The River Wandle in London and how he has engaged both the community and commerce to help fund his groups activities and the positive impact this has had on the river.

Tony Andrews of The Scottish Countryside Alliance Educational Trust, introduced a developing project – The Scottish National Angling Programme, which aims to coordinate, promote and extend the scope of angling throughout Scotland.

Andrew Mactaggart, hosting the event on behalf of The Tay Foundation, said, “We are committed to enhancing the quality of work done on behalf of the broader fishing and environmental community here in Scotland. By sharing our expertise we are hoping to dramatically improve our ability to address those challenges faced by the angling community and the managers of our rivers.”