Sporting and General Rules 2022
CONTACT DETAILS
Grimersta Estate Office, Grimersta Lodge, Isle of Lewis, Eilean Siar, Scotland, HS2 9EJ
Estate Office: 01851 621 358
Factor: Simon Scott. Email: factor@grimersta.com
Estate Manager: Jason Laing. Email: estate@grimersta.com
General Manager: Christina Macdonald. Email: lodge@grimersta.com
Head Keeper: Chris Langhorne.
Grimersta Lodge: 01851 621 262 (incoming only)
Website: www.grimersta.com
1. SYNDICATE AND MEMBERSHIP
1.1 Chairman. The Chairman of Grimersta Estate Limited and Grimersta Sporting Club Limited, or a nominated Director.
1.2 Member. A shareholder of Grimersta Estate Limited.
1.3 Honorary Member. Usually a former shareholder of Grimersta Estate Limited. Honorary Members retain seniority and have all the privileges of membership, with the exception of the right to vote.
1.4 Senior Member. The longest standing Member or Honorary Member in residence.
1.5 Temporary Member. All sporting guests are Temporary Members of Grimersta Sporting Club for the duration of the current season. A charge for Temporary Membership for guests is included in the Fishing or Shooting Rate. A Temporary Membership application form must be completed prior to, or upon arrival.
1.6 Rod. Any individual fishing at Grimersta.
1.7 Gun/Rifle. Any individual shooting or stalking at Grimersta.
2. PERMANENT STAFF
2.1 Factor and Company Secretary. Responsible to the Chairman and Board for the overall management of Grimersta Estate and its staff.
2.2 Estate Manager. Responsible to the Factor for the running of the sporting estate and estate maintenance. Line Manager for the Head Keeper, Ghillies, and Watchers.
2.3 General Manager. Responsible to the Factor for the running of Grimersta Lodge and the Estate Office. Line Manager for the Chefs and Housekeepers.
2.4 Head Keeper. Responsible to the Estate Manager for sporting matters and estate maintenance.
3. FISHING SEASON
3.1 The annual Salmon (and Sea trout) fishing season for Loch Roag is 11th February – 15th October.
3.2 The annual Brown trout fishing season in Scotland is 15th March – 6th October.
3.3 Fishing at Grimersta is usually let by the week. Changeover is on a Wednesday evening; the fishing week commences and concludes at 18.00 each Wednesday.
3.4 Fishing is not permitted on Sundays.
4. THE DRAW AND ROTATION OF FISHING BEATS
4.1 The draw for beats and the allocation of ghillies takes place on the Wednesday evening. There are several alternative rotas that take account of differing conditions and the distribution of fish. The Estate Manager will advise on the most appropriate system for a particular week.
4.2 DESCRIPTION OF BEATS
Beat 1. The Grimersta River and the northern half of Loch Faoghail an Tuim (Loch One).
Beat 2. The First Stream and the southern half of Loch Faoghail an Tuim.
Beat 3. Macleay’s Stream and Loch Faoghail Chiorabhal (Loch Three). The Ford Stream and southern part of Loch Faoghail Chiorabhal (Loch Three) between 11.00 and 16.00.
Beat 4. Loch Airigh na h-Airde (Loch Four) and the Langabhat Rivers. The Ford Stream and the southern part of Loch Faoghail Chiorabhal before 11.00 and after 16.00.
Loch an Easa Ghil. (Stewart’s Loch). May be used by Beat 3 or Beat 4 by arrangement.
NOTES
4.3 Ghillies are on duty between 09.30 and 17.30. Boats must not be used without ghillies.
4.4 Beat and boundary markers will be pointed out by the ghillies.
4.5 Beats change at 18.00.
4.6 Rods on Beat 1 may fish the Grimersta River after 18.00 and before breakfast.
4.7 Rods on Beat 2 may fish the First Stream after 18.00 and before breakfast.
4.8 Rods on Beat 3 may fish Macleay’s Stream after 18.00 and before breakfast.
4.9 Rods on Beat 4 may fish the Ford Stream after 18.00 and before breakfast.
4.10 Rods on Beats 3 and 4 (which require a walk when ghillies are not on duty) have the option of fishing Loch Faoghail an Tuim (Loch One) from the bank.
5. THE ROVING BOAT
5.1 A “Roving Boat” is available on Loch Faoghail an Tuim (Loch One). The Roving Boat offers an alternative should conditions make fishing Lochs 3 or 4 impracticable.
5.2 The Roving Boat must give priority to the boats of Beat 1 and Beat 2, and should not be used south of the Bothy Island on Beat 2.
6. FISHING RETURNS
6.1 Grimersta has fishing records dating from 1875. Each evening the Estate Manager will produce the Day Card. This is a summary of rod returns and weather conditions; from this the Senior Member or host should update the Salmon Record Book. If requested the Estate Manager will complete the book.
6.2 The Estate Manager will produce the Members’ Weekly Summary on the Wednesday evening. The Senior Member (if present) will be asked to add any observations and the summary will then be forwarded to Members.
7. FISHING AND GENERAL RULES
7.1 All Rods are expected to conduct themselves in a sporting manner.
7.2 No fishing is to take place until a Gyrodactylus Salaris declaration has been signed and returned to the Estate Manager.
7.3 All fishing is by artificial fly only.
7.4 Trolling is not permitted, except on Loch Arigh na h-Airde (Loch Four), when travelling between the No. 4 Jetty and Eilean Mhic Fail.
7.5 Conservation. Grimersta operates an “informed and voluntary” policy on catch and release. It is a statutory requirement that prior to 1st April all Salmon must be returned.
Thereafter the release of Salmon and particularly hen fish is strongly encouraged. All Sea trout should be returned.
7.6 Dogs are welcome on the estate subject to prior arrangement with the Estate Manager. Dogs are not allowed in the lodge, kennelling is currently limited and dogs are expected to sleep in cars.
7.7 Smoking is not permitted in the lodge, estate buildings or vehicles.
7.8 In the unlikely event of a serious breach of the rules or in the case of other inappropriate behaviour, the Factor and Senior Member (if present) will seek to resolve the issue. Where this is not possible the matter will be referred to the Chairman.
8. SAFETY
8.1 All Rods must wear life jackets when in a boat. Rods are strongly advised to wear suitable eye protection when fishing.
8.2 Occasionally, weather conditions may preclude boat fishing. In such circumstances, the Estate Manager will advise bank fishing and an adjustment to the draw may be recommended.
8.3 The Estate Manager will decide if it is safe to fish from the boats. Whilst in a boat the ghillies have responsibility for the safety of Rods and Rods must comply with the ghillie’s advice. Rods who fail to comply do so entirely at their own risk.
9. RESERVATIONS and ACCOUNTS
9.1 Fishing reservations (Main Season) are made through the Factor. Pre-season fishing reservations and occasional day tickets are made through the Estate Manager.
9.2 Provisional reservations can be made at any time. However, reservations for guests (Temporary Members) will not be confirmed until after those of Members. This is usually completed by the September preceding the season.
9.3 In the event of a week being over-subscribed, Members who were unsuccessful will be offered priority for the equivalent week in the subsequent season.
9.4 All Rods will reside at Grimersta Lodge.
9.5 The rates for fishing and board and accommodation will be reviewed annually. Rates vary between Members and Temporary Members. The Members rate will also apply to spouses and children of Members. The rate for Temporary Members includes Temporary Membership of Grimersta Sporting Club.
9.6 The Fishing Rate includes the services of the ghillies.
9.7 An invoice for a deposit (which is set against the Fishing Rate) will be issued on confirmation of the reservation. Invoices for the outstanding balance of the Fishing Rate (if applicable), and for Board and Accommodation will be issued some six weeks prior to arrival and are payable at that time.
9.8 Unless previously arranged, the person making the booking will be responsible for settling the account of their guest or party and all liabilities incurred. After each visit a subsequent invoice for additional items such as tackle, drinks, and sundries will be issued and is payable upon receipt.
10. Cancellation. In the event of a late cancellation the estate will re-advertise the vacancy. Should we be unable to let the vacancy, the full cost of the booking may be payable. We strongly recommend that Members and guests insure against holiday cancellation and have suitable travel insurance.
11. Value Added Tax. All prices include VAT where appropriate.
12. SHOOTING and STALKING
12.1 All shooting reservations are made through the Estate Manager.
12.2 Grouse and Snipe shooting over pointers is available from September, with Woodcock beginning to arrive in October. Mixed fishing and shooting packages are available from early September. Guests are welcome to bring their own dogs.
12.3 Red deer stalking is available either on Grimersta, or given sufficient notice, on neighbouring estates.
12.4 All Guns are to be in possession of a valid shotgun and/or firearms certificate, an appropriate game license (if applicable), and adequate third-party insurance.
12.5 No shooting is to take place unless accompanied by the Estate Manager or Head Keeper.
Simon Scott
Factor
January 2022
