Dear members,

We hope that you and your families are safe and well.

As we continue to navigate through these uncharted waters and times of uncertainty it’s important that we as a committee continue to closely monitor the government updates. The information given over the last few days including this evening (Sunday), positive steps have been made in London to allow sports to be undertaken in England unfortunately the Scottish first minister has decided that Scotland will follow on with current lockdown measures in place for at least the next 3 weeks. We must monitor the situation and prepare the club and its facilities in order for the club and its members to follow social distancing when we get the green light to reopen parts of our club and its facilities.

Since our last update on the 28th April the committee have continued to work away behind the scenes holding internet meetings to discuss how when the time is right to reopen parts of the club to allow members to continue fishing and work on their boats in the work sheds. Some members may have seen some movement around the club over the last few days.

What’s new?

New water mains pipe installed

Over the last few days some of the club committee and members of VOLDAC have been down working at the club carrying out some essential works. The mains water pipe that supplies our club with fresh water ruptured at the rear of one of the work sheds and had to be replaced. Although this repair and now replacement of the pipe has been an issue for some time now it was essential that the works were carried out and completed. Whilst the works was being completed we decided to install running water to both the engine shed and large workshop this will be a welcomed addition for many of our members that use the facilities regularly. Thank you to all volunteers that were present and helped out with the works. This was a huge task undertaken and completed with good team work and endeavour.

Social distancing measures

Following on from 2 internet committee meetings to discuss implementation of social distancing procedures some members have started to carry this out on the facilities. We have added 2 metre distancing markers to the rod room and the entrances to the workshops. We will also be installing sanitising stations in both the rod room and workshops this will continue throughout the club and its facilities in the coming days to ensure that the club its ready to reopen safely when it’s time to do so.

General grounds maintenance

Whilst the club has been closed we have continued to maintain the grounds cutting the grass, weeding and a general tidy up around the grounds. We have also upgraded our security systems by adding new cameras to bolster our security keeping the club and the member’s belongings safe.

So what’s next?

We are confident that by next weekend the social distancing works will be completed and the club will be ready to reopen once we have the green light.

Fishing Loch Lomond when lockdown is eased

With it being likely that angling will be allowed to continue before motorboat cruising the park authorities have made it very clear that only boats that are fishing will be permitted on the loch. This will be policed by both Police Scotland and the national park authorities.

Some of our members have not yet been able to register their boats for the 2020 season and therefore will not be in procession of the 2020 national park badges that we require to have when fishing on the loch with a boat. We are in discussion with the park authorities at the moment to have an agreement set up allowing our members to continue fishing without being potentially put off the loch. It’s likely that the VOLDAC committee will collate the information required for the park authorities to allow you to fish with 2019 badges until the park authorities offices reopen and catch up with the back log.

How do I obtain permission to fish the loch from a boat?

All members, if you wish to fish the loch we would therefore ask that you email our VOLDAC email address on our website prior to lockdown being eased. We will require your name and boat registration number to be emailed to us confirming that you plan to fish so we can inform the national park authorities. For members without email facilities please contact a member of the committee with the information required.

Remember if you’re not registered you’re not permitted to fish Loch Lomond.
Members must be reminded that government guidelines must be adhered to whilst on and using club facilities once we have reopened. We must respect all member’s safety and wellbeing.

If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact a member of the committee. We have several contact email addresses on our website. We will respond as soon as possible.

Stay safe,

Best wishes,

The committee.