Letters / Self-isolating in the hills
Looking at legislation concerning coronavirus lockdown in Shetland I am wondering if trout fishermen in Shetland could be considered a special case.
We belong to a certain sector of society whose mental health is considered by many to be in serious doubt.
Anyone who has seen us at the start of the trout season, up to our oxters in the middle of a freezing loch, with hailstones bouncing off our heads, will bear witness to this.
Some of us are already teetering on the edge of insanity here and an outright ban on this obsessive pursuit could tip those over that edge.
Now, in the middle of a pandemic the last thing we need is further pressure on our wonderful and overloaded NHS.
We can’t, at this time, have our doctors, nurses, paramedics, and ambulances tied up rounding up rabid, foaming at the mouth anglers, fitting them with canvas blazers with wraparound arms, and shipping them away to the screw factory to get rethreaded.
Wouldn’t it make sense to allow us to self-isolate in the hills where there are no gates to contaminate and where we can guarantee a lot more than two metres distancing between us.
Even without the virus any angler fishing anywhere in another’s proximity leaves him open to a colourful volley of abuse.
John Laurenson
Toft
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.