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The fourth annual “Highland Wild Trout Challenge” angling competition was successfully held on Loch Shin (Lairg) Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th July 2005 with 28 anglers competing for a range of prizes.

The competition was organised by Lairg Angling Club with support from Caithness and Sutherland Trout Angling Group (CASTAG). The overall winner, Mr Billy Neil of Spean Bridge, received the Highland Wild Trout Challenge Trophy plus a week’s self-catering accommodation with fishing for two on the River Halladale, donated by Strath Halladale Partnership.

Mr Cathel MacLeod the Chairman of Caithness and Sutherland Trout Angling Group introduced the prize-giving. Prizes were presented by Councillor Alison Magee, the Convener of the Highland Council.

Details of prizes and prize-winners were:
BEST BAG
1) Mr Billy Neil of Spean Bridge: Highland Wild Trout Challenge Trophy; plus one week’s accommodation and fishing on Craggie beat of River Halladale, donated by Strath Halladale Partnership.
2) Mr Frank Durdle of Beauly: One night’s accommodation with a day’s fishing on the River Cassley for two people, donated by Achness Hotel.
3) Mr J W Hooper of Kinross: One two-section carbon fibre trout rod donated by The Sutherland Sporting Tweed Company.

BEST FISH
1) Mr A MacDonald of Kinlochleven Angling Club: One weeks trout fishing for two, including boat hire, on a choice of Lochs in Caithness, Loch Watten, Loch Toftingall or Loch St Johns, donated by Hugo Ross.
2) Mr Kevin Fraser of Caol, Fort William: Two nights’ bed and breakfast plus 2 days’ fishing for two on Loch Shin, donated by Overscaig Hotel.
3) Winners equal third place, Mr Neil MacRichie of Kiltarlity and Mr Okain McLennan of Fortrose: A food and drink hamper, donated by Port Services Invergordon.

BEST BOAT
1) First place with a total weight of 24lb 1.5oz. Mr Billy Neil and Mr J W Hooper: Two days’ fishing on Reay Lochs for two rods at mayfly time, donated by Lesley Crawford and one nights’ accommodation for two at the Tongue Hotel, plus £50, donated by Tongue Hotel and J P Knight (Caledonian).
2) Second place with a total weight 17lb 13oz. Mr Donnie Macbeth and Mr Simon Spence: One day’s fishing for three by boat on Loch Ailsh plus £25, donated by Assynt Angling Association and S W L Invergordon and one day’s fishing for three by boat on Loch Awe plus £25, donated by Assynt Angling Association and S W L Invergordon.
3) Third place, Mr David F MacGregor and Mr Archie Prentice: £25 each donated by S E R Services Invergordon, with a total weight of 15lb .5 oz.