#Avochie Estate

[sgiandubh]

Fly-fishing weekend?

Yesterday, on the Avochie Estate, in Aberdeenshire. It does sound more like a business trip, though - of course, that does not preclude combining business and pleasure:

Several auction lots have been given by Sassenach Spirits for the Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust (https://www.deveron.org/)'s dinner auction, next September 6 (https://www.deveron.org/sundown-on-the-deveron-centenary-dinner-auction-in-association-with-bowlts/- the whisky will be graciously provided by Bacardi, though 😎). Hookergate seems to have passed completely unnoticed by that (big and very serious) local NGO board: not exactly the kind of people to read JJ, to be honest, so it's all good.

The news was immediately dissected by another blog (ahem). It may came as no surprise here, however, that the Avochie Estate (https://www.avochie.com/) is a family-friendly destination - 'fun things to do with children':

No fishing on Sundays, though:

All of the three available accommodation options have very specific family-friendly amenities, by the way:

I am not sure if he stayed the night, though. I do not think the houses featured in the two pictures he posted on Instagram are a perfect match, but hey - I could be wrong:

Anyways, back to the Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust. Its partnership links with one of the big global players in the spirits business, the Pernod Ricard Group (https://www.pernod-ricard.com/en), based in Paris, via 'The River Within' sustainable development programme, are more than obvious:

Even more interesting, the charity will release, at the end of July, a limited edition batch of its own gin. Proceeds of the sales will directly go into its coffers and help support its projects:

Clearly extending a growing business network, and perhaps spending a well-deserved weekend away from prying eyes, too. The guys featured in the pics are charity people: I doubt he spent an evening drinking his arse off with them, if you see what I mean 😉.

[maximumwobblerbanditdonut]

Outlander star Sam Heughan has been described as a "natural talent" after taking up fly fishing in Aberdeenshire.

The Dumfries-born actor was staying with a friend at Avochie Estate in near Huntly when he called on a local company to show him the ropes of casting.

As part of his rod casting lessons, he spent an afternoon on the River Deveron learning how to fly fish for salmon and trout with expert William Peake.

In an Instagram post, the 44-year-old actor said:

"Huge thank you @river _deveron!

"Lucky to enjoy the beauty of @avochie.estate and the Scottish weather."

Joking: "Fish love the rain?"

He then thanked the Aberdeenshire company for their help.

He said: "Huge thank you to

@twinpeakesflyfishing for your tuition, guidance and patience!"

'An absolutely lovely guy'

Sam was fishing on the River Deveron inside the Avochie Estate, and area known for its fine salmon and trout fishing.

William Peake, who runs Twin Peakes Fly Fishing, said: "He was an absolutely lovely guy.

"He had fished with maggots as a child.

"Sam always wanted to give fly fishing a go.

"He was staying at one of the beautiful cottages at Avochie with a friend, and got in touch with us.

"It was just for an afternoon but he showed real talent. We fished for salmon and then moved on to trout.

Sam Heughan fly fishing on the River Deveron. Image: Twin Peakes Fly Fishing.

"He managed to pick up fly fishing very quickly. He was good and a bit of a natural."

He is a "certified casting instructor" and can be found giving casting lessons at the company's fly fishing school.

Sam Heughan shot to stardom as Jamie Fraser in the hit TV series Outlander.

Peterhead actor Peter Mullan has been cast to star in the show's prequel.

PRESS AND JOURNAL

SH's visit to the River Deveron was only for one afternoon, so you wouldn't expect to see SH with the skill of Brad Pitt in the film "A River Runs Through It."

Posted 17th June 2024

[hc-geralt-23]

Sam Heughan enjoys new hobby as he takes break from Outlander filming

[sgiandubh]

I completely agree with you, it was professional 'fishing', with a photographer included...They mention the upcoming auction. In one of River Deveron's stories you can see someone in the water, in front of S and the instructor. It's the story with the dog in the foreground. By the way, do you fish with hooks using rings and a necklace? With a certified instructor right there?

Dear Professional Fishing Anon,

It was a business/pleasure combo and a quick glance on a Scotland map (others did it, I can't be arsed) makes me think they might have spent the night, after all. A six-hour round trip by car, plus fishing, the photoshoot, the social graces, the visit and the wee drams make it plausible.

Yes. Them. Believe what you want, of course. 😉

Also, remember (LOOOOOOOL) this boy and this picture:

[hc-geralt-23]

Sam Heughan enjoys new hobby as he takes break from Outlander filming