Representing Professional Fly Fishing Guides in Scotland
ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION
The Scottish Fly Fishing Guides Association has been established to promote, support, and represent professional fly fishing guides operating throughout Scotland. Our Aim is to create a trusted network of fly fishing guides who demonstrate recognised qualifications, professional conduct, and a commitment to delivering exceptional fly fishing experiences.
Fly fishing plays an important role in Scotland's rural economy, attracting fly fishers from around the world to our rivers, lochs and coastlines. By working alongside organisations such as VisitScotland, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, and Country Sports Scotland, the Association helps ensure visitors can easily find fly fishing guides who meet recognised professional standards. The Association also supports the continued development of the fly fishing guide profession through training, mentorship and education.
Guide Certification Standards
To maintain high standards across the fly fishing guide profession, guides listed within the Scottish Fly Fishing Guides Association are expected to hold recognised fly casting or instructor qualifications. These may include qualifications from internationally respected organisations such as:
- SGAIC – Scottish Game Angling Instructors Certificate
- FFI CI / MCI – Fly Fishers International, Certified Instructor / Master Casting Instructor
- GAIA – Game Angling Instructors Association
- AAPGAI – Association of Advanced Professional Game Angling Instructors
In addition to casting and instructional qualifications, guides are also encouraged to hold relevant supporting certifications, including:
- Child Protection training/certification
- First Aid (current and appropriate to remote/outdoor environments)
- Food Safety
- Level 1 and Level 2 coaching awards
These certifications demonstrate a fly fishing guide's ability to:
- Teach fly casting
- Deliver professional instruction
- Manage clients safely on rivers and lochs
- Promote responsible fish handling
- Represent the highest standards of the sport
- Show a personal commitment to fly fishing heritage
By listing only certified professionals, the Association provides fly fishers and tourism organisations with confidence when selecting a fly fishing guide.
Fly Fishing Guide School
The Fly Fishing Guide School is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of professional fly fishing guides. We combine centuries of Scottish fly fishing tradition with modern technical precision to ensure every graduate exemplifies the highest standards of safety, ethics, and world-class instruction.
SAFETY • STEWARDSHIP • MASTERY • CONSERVATION • TRADITION • TECHNICAL PRECISION •
The Masters of Instruction
Alistair Macleod
Founder & Master Instructor
Fiona Munro
Lead Casting Instructor
Callum Robertson
Technical Guiding Instructor
Hamish Campbell
Youth Program Coordinator