I moved 3 times in the last 5 years but never far from the River Spey. First of all, an old Bothy at Carron, right by Carron Bridge, then along the lane running by the Spey, A gillies Cottage at Laggon . I teach and have taught at Aberlour, Craighellachie, Knockando. Speyside is a big community

The Spey is one of the few rivers in the world to have its own distinctive style of fly. So I have been giving alot of attention to the flies of The Spey. Inspired by its Classic Patterns originally fashioned by Craighellachie born, Geordie Shanks, and immortalised in A E Knox's 'Autumns on the Spey' circa 1870.

16 Patterns from 16 Great tyers from around the world each sent one of the patterns ( I will be showing this magnificent collection at the exhibition) I plan to auction these flies for 'Casting for recovery'

The new work is quite different to my usual style. Quite a different fly.Their names, the colours of the Spey and the style, earthly ,humble but not unassuming

Recently when I saw a case of Shanks flies I realised this project is far from finished. We cant be sure which of the famous Shanks either Geordie or his equal in fishing legend father, Jamie.

http://www.facebook.com/sarah.briston#/group.php?gid=103760251438

Killyleagh festival,on the Sunny banks of Strangford Loch- a chance to meet up with Andy's family and meet some great Irish fly tyers too, the list of tyers at the show outstanding.

Very well done to the organisers of the show which had something of the Edinburgh Fringe festival about it, in little pubs and drop in centres folk were demonstrating and talking about fishing and flies, lessons in casting in the castle grounds and live music in lots of venues.

My highlight, well one would be meeting Ted Malone, In the top photo, heres Peter Kealey and I with the man himself, an Irish fly tying legend, who at 92 is still teaching and demonstrating. He threw a Daddy longlegs on my table, tried to make me jump it was so real, but its only mice that scare me, Thanks Ted :-)

Very pleased to be sat next to Ryan Houston. He gave me several lovely flies to paint at the show- Will soon have enough for a collection

Stevie Munn - so funny

Roy Christie tying some innovative flies which I believe do the trick- Painted several at the show

One of the best things about being me is that I get some wonderful treasures in the post.

In this case Nine!!! Art Lingren flies. I knew they were coming but still the excitement of all past Christmas days in one.

These were for a special commission but I can put anyone interested in touch with the Canadian web site promoting the traditional history of Canadian flies

Dr David Burns- May 2009

When I first started illustrating flies I came across the Ancient Campbell' and 'Jocque Etchemin' both absolutely stunning flies I painted them without knowing who had tied them,I didnt even know the name of 'Jocque Etchemin' so aptly named it 'beauty' I was quite pleased with these two but never sold them as I didnt have permissions.

So when David who is an American Conservationist and Master Tyer, contacted me and gave permissions to illustrate his work, I was of course delighted, He sent some stunning pics and I found them an absolute pleasure and puzzle. So complicated with an incredible number of elements to each one. I was pleased to re visit the Ancient Campbell and Jocque Etchemin.

I think this is the best collection to date, I especially enjoyed the tartan series and am looking forward to more from Dr David Burns.

McCloud

Green Highlander

May 2009

A Green Highlander from Jerome Molloy is always News

This sleek and slender Greeny is probably my best Highlander to date ( sorry the pic isnt great will just be a temp pic until I can do it proper justice)