Skyecomuseum

THE resurrected Staffin Angling Competition returns for the first time in four years this weekend (29.7).

Keen anglers of all ages will be preparing their rods and reels for this eagerly anticipated community event with all entries, including shore-based fishing, encouraged and silverware on offer.

Alongside the competition there will also be a fully-booked morning of activities for children provided by the multi-award winning Hebridean Whale Trail, which counts the newly-reopened Kilt Rock as one of its most outstanding locations for spotting sea life of all kind.

Children will be learning and playing games about what whales eat and how to become a conservation champion between 10am and noon. This will be at Staffin Beach if the weather is suitable. If the weather forecast deteriorates a nearby indoor venue will be used.

The annual summer contest was hugely popular in the 1990s but was in abeyance in recent years until it returned in 2019. The largest fish caught on the day was a 7lb lithe landed by Brogaig's Iain Matheson and his son, Charlie. The biggest catch was taken home by David Nicolson, Allan MacDonald and Ally MacDonald. In 2023, there are hopes that the entries will exceed the seven boats with crews that had entered four years ago.

There were another half a dozen people, of all ages, fishing from the shore. After the Staffin Flotilla returned at 4pm there was a healthy and varied catch on the slip, including an octopus, which was shown to children, then swiftly returned to the sea.

This year refreshments and hearty food will be kindly provided by Mackenzie's Stores.

Four categories for winners will be announced at 4pm including:

- Overall winner - total weight of fish

- Heaviest single fish

-Junior winner - total weight of fish

-Unusual catch

Trophies have been sponsored by Staffin Campsite. Staffin Community Trust is grateful to all for getting the event to this stage and are looking forward to an enjoyable day.