TheBigBlueTree.com

Hi, www.thebigbluetree.com is an emerging site (still very much in production), aiming to report on the goings on in the scottish kayaking scene - particularly at the relatively unpublicised "creeking" scene (rivers with larger rapids). The Idea is to update the site monthly, with a collection of thoughts and stories, not only reporting on the latest Scottish kayaking adventures, but also to look at issues affecting paddling. We hope soon to release the site, and for launch we have articles from tom pendrey reporting his thoughts from his adventures (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7403256.stm), a report from a scottish paddlers expidition to mongolia (http://www.uniyaker.co.uk/), as well as a look at rivers closer to home. However as our leading launch article we'd like to look at fishing/kayaking relations... In England and wales anglers rights to fish un-undisturbed by river craft is generally protected in law, although there are several lobbying groups wishing to change this. Scotland's anglers though have minimal protection from the ways of the kayaker. Our aim is to unbiasidly (I cannot emphise this enough, having read and seen many a kayaker/angler spat) examine the way anglers view the kayaking community - particuarly in scotland - looking at peoples views on access agreements, the law, other ways of avoiding conflict and why the conflict occours. We'd like to hear your views, as fisher folks on the matter - particular hotspots for conflict (like the Tay or Tweed). Ideally we would also like to disscuss in person with angling clubs, guillies etc. We are based in Edinburgh - although can easily travel for a days visit. Also we would greatly appreciate any examples of anglers and the environment. On my brief trawl through the world of fishing I have uncovered the Tay Western Catchments Project, any further examples would be greatly appreciated. If you are interested, and are willing to lend your views to us please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at thebigbluetree@live.com or on "oh-seven927188662" Thanks, Eoghain Johnson, www.thebigbluetree.com