Fulling Mill Flytying Mat

Today I received a superb, high-quality fly-tying mat from #FullingMill.

A genuinely useful addition to my tying bench.

Crafted from premium textured silicone, it offers a secure, non-slip grip on virtually any surface. Thoughtfully designed inserts keep hooks, beads, and tools neatly organised, while the integrated magnetic pads ensure small metal items stay firmly in place.

A practical flytying mat that brings both order and efficiency to your fly-tying bench.

These mats can be sourced from the Fulling Mill web site here @ Fulling Mill Tying Mat

UCAPA River Clyde Opening Day

I had the pleasure of spending a thoroughly enjoyable morning at the Popinjay Hotel in Rosebank on the banks of the River Clyde, tying flies with the Sharp & Gentles Fly Tying Club as part of the UCAPA River Clyde Salmon Opening Day celebrations.

The atmosphere in the hotel was warm and welcoming, stories were told and shared, and vices were set to work. 

It was fantastic to see such a large turnout, with anglers and tyers coming together to mark the start of another salmon season on  rRiver Clyde. 

Events like this help to highlight and preserve the traditions of fishing and tying Clyde style flies.

A brilliant raffle and auction added to the occasion, featuring some outstanding prizes. Thanks to the generosity of those who donated and bid so enthusiastically, an incredible £5,000 which will be split between two worthy charities: CHAS and the Les Hoey Dream Maker Foudation.

A magnificent achievement and a testament to the spirit of the angling community.

The day’s celebrations, organised by the Upper Clyde Angling Protection Association (UCAPA), culminated in a traditional procession from the hotel to Mauldslie Bridge, led by a lone piper. The sound of the pipes carried beautifully along the riverbank, adding a fitting sense of ceremony and heritage to the occasion.

At the water’s edge, the opening ceremony was marked by the customary offering of whisky to the river, a nod to tradition and a gesture of respect  before the 2026 season was officially opened followed by the ceremonial first cast, made this year by Scott McKenzie.

A memorable morning steeped in tradition, fellowship, and generosity and a fine way to welcome the new salmon season on the Clyde.

Tying a Clan Chief Variant.

The Guys from @TEFF TV interviewed and filmed me  while I was tying at the BFFI on tyers row.

 Heres the tying video. Hope you like it. Please forgive my slip of the tounge as I mentioned gold tinsel when it was actually silver. 

It was a great experience all be it I was a little nervy.

Click the link below.

Clan Chief Variant.

BFFI 2026

Attending the British Fly Fair International (BFFI) in Stafford is always special. It’s a chance to catch up with friends and acquaintances, and to forge new friendships within the fly tying community.

This year, however, felt different. It carried a significance I hadn’t experienced before. For the first time, I wasn’t simply attending as an admirer of the craft — I was there as a Fulling Mill Pro Tyer, seated on the famous Tyers’ Row.

To take my place among such respected and talented tiers was both humbling and immensely proud moment, one I’ll never forget.

I must thank Roly and everyone at Fulling Mill for their support and assistance. Everything they did for me was very much appreciated. 

When I think of my first ever visit to the show back in 2010 at Stoke never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that one day I would be tying flies on tyers row.

For years, Tyers’ Row hàd been a place I associated with  reverence. It’s where tyers that I've been inspired by and have been a great influence to me sit behind their vices, confidently demonstrating their skills and sharing their knowledge of the craft.

To find myself among them felt surreal, exciting, humbling, and if I’m honest a wee bit nerve-wracking.

However before I put my first hook in the vice I was called to Magnus Angus’s Fly Fishing & Flytying magazine’s makeshift photo studio  to have one of my fly patterns photographed  in a step by step sequence for an article which will be published soon in that long-established monthly magazine. Watch this space for more info. 

Once that was done I took my place on the row.

Tying in front of the public with some stopping to watch and chat was at first a nervy  experience however I soon settled in and the conversations flowed, questions were asked, flies, methods and techniques were discussed, stories were shared, lochs and locations recommended.

What truly made the experience special was the reaction of those who stopped to watch. Seeing genuine interest in my flies, and meeting people who follow my flytying on my social media pages was a real buzz.

It was a real thrill to chat with Pete Tyjas from the Fly Culture podcast and new editor of T&S.

Likewise it was fantastic to have Jackie Mahon and Tom Doc Sullivan stop by and xhat about my flies. 

By the end of the weekend I felt a quiet sense of pride. To sit among respected tyers at the BFFI wasn’t just a personal achievement especially after the year I had health wise. It felt like an acknowledgement of my flytying journey so far. From a beginner at the humble beginnings of the Airdrie & District Angling Club flytying nights to tying at one of the most prestigious flytying events in Europe, it’s been a road well worth travelling.

My first time on Tyers’ Row will hopefully not be my last. If anything, the experience has only deepened my enthusiasm for flytying and everything associated with it.

Before signing off I must thank Steve and Bridgette for organizing the whole event it must take some doing. I hope to do it all again next year.

Click the link below for a  video compilation of the show.

BFFI 2026. 

The Wet Fly Swing Davie McPhail Podcast!

Essential Listening! 

A rare insight into the flytying of Davie McPhail's flytying. history. Click the link brlow.

Davie McPhail Wet Fly Swing Podcasr

Reflections

Today I enjoyed a wonderful Twixmas day out with friends, starting with a fantastic meal at a local hotel and finishing with drinks at our local club. It was a brilliant way to round off the year and begin looking ahead to the next.

 Now that I’m home, the quiet of the evening has given me time to reflect on what has been a challenging year not just in terms of fishing and fly tying, but in life in general. I’ve been off work since April due to health reasons, something I never imagined would last so long. That said, after visiting the doctor today, I’m finally planning a return to work towards the end of next month and, with it, a gradual return to some sense of normality.

 Despite being hospitalised after suffering a stroke, I was fortunate enough to enjoy a couple of fishing trips up north with friends, trips I’ve written about previously on this blog. Those days meant a great deal to me, especially as it was deeply disappointing not to fish my club water this season due to eyesight issues and being unable to drive.

 Earlier in the summer, I was honoured to be invited to tie at the Scottish Game Fair. Unfortunately, ongoing health problems meant I couldn’t attend, which was a real let-down. 

For several months, tying wasn’t possible at all. However, as my eyesight has gradually improved, I’ve been able to return to the vice and attend the Sharp & Gentles tying club, which has been hugely uplifting. 

 I was also incredibly proud to be invited to join the Fulling Mill fly-tying Pro Team, helping to promote their excellent materials and hooks. The icing on the cake is being invited to tie on Tyers’ Row at the famous British Fly Fair International (BFFI) in Stafford in February 2026. At one stage, I wasn’t sure this would be possible, but with steady improvement, I’m now really looking forward to it.

 As I reflect on the year, I have to give heartfelt thanks to my wife and son for their unwavering support. I truly don’t know how I would have coped without them. I’m also deeply grateful to my friends for their support, encouragement and understanding throughout it all.

 It’s been a rough and the ugged road  I've had to travel but in refection its not all been bad.

 I'm ending the year with gratitude, renewed purpose, and genuine optimism for what lies ahead.

Modern Flies & Ancient Lochs by Arthur MacDonald.

The flytying community is buzzing with anticipation at the release of Arthur MacDonald’s book: Modern Flies and Ancient Lochs.  

For a good number of years, tiers have been talking about Arhur’s unique style and approach to flytying.

What has people especially excited is the promise that the book will connect the old with the new and all the patterns have been beautifully photographed by Rob Denson.

 Early indications  suggest it includes modern approaches to classic loch-style flies, insights into how the historical patterns evolved with helpfull instructions and guidance on hiw to tie these flies.

 Many see it as the kind of resource that could quickly become a go-to reference for everyone with a passion for Scottish loch style wets.

Whether you’re into traditional Scottish patterns, experimenting with contemporary materials, or simply enjoy reading about the history behind the flies we tie today, this book is shaping up to be something special. 

Its no surprise that tiers everywhere are counting down the days until they can get their copy of this book which is sure to be a Modern Classic.

While we all wait in anticipation for it arriving on our bench there is a sneak preview of what to expect in this month's Trout & Salmon magazine.

Fulling Mill Pro tyer

I'm absolutely thrilled to announce my association with Fulling Mill  A brand that shares my passion for both traditional fly tying and modern innovation. Together, we're committed to celebrating the craft of fly tying with genuine quality materials and products . I'm excited to see how this association will influence and enhance my fly tying.

You can read my pro tyer bio at the following link.

Allan Hutton Fulling Mill Pro tyer

The Tartan

Please have a llook at this  flytying video that I put together of The Tartan - a fly pattern  Hebridean Hetitage.

It was devised by John Kennedy the former manager a of the South Uist Estates.

Its a lovely pattern with its swept back peacock meck fibres that make it so appealing to trout.

Thumbs up, Likes and comments appreciated.

Click the link below: 

The Tartan

Fishing up North – A Week in Caithness.

Every year I look forward to a late-summer stravaig in the Scottish Highlands or Islands with a close circle of fishing friends. It has become something of a tradition: a week marked by high expectations, a sense of adventure, and the familiar mix of triumph and fair share of blanks, but  most importantly, precious days spent fishing on the lochs with good company.

This year we were based in a converted farm house near Thurso in Caithness an ideal location for the lochs we intended fishing.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure I’d make it this year as my health hasn’t been the best and I had to weight up the pros and cons before fully committing. However I was encouraged to get on with my life despite my health woes.

Not everything went according to plan. A couple of friends had to drop out at the last minute for various reasons, and sadly, one of our group had to return home early during the week due to a family bereavement. 

Still, those of us who remained made the most of the week, appreciating every cast, every walk across the moor and every shared story at the day’s end over a hearty meal and drinks.

Sunday

I started the week at a Forsinard forest loch under blazing sunshine, with the water lying completely flat and lifeless. Conditions were far from ideal. Very little fly life was visible, and only a single trout broke the surface all day. My boat partner managed to tempt a lively half-pounder, but apart from that brief excitement, the loch gave us nothing more. Not the most inspiring way to begin my week up north.

Monday

The mood shifted for the better on Yarrows, fishing from the boat on the Thrumster Estate. Vaughan and I enjoyed a fine day, with steady sport from start to finish. Between us we landed around fourteen healthy, spirited trout each that kept us busy. The flies of the day proved to be the trusty Blue Zulu and the leggy Half Ordie.  A real contrast to my blank Sunday.

Tuesday

Plans to fish Shurrery didn’t unfold quite as expected. After the long walk in, carrying both the outboard and the heavy battery, we discovered the DFFA boat was missing. Fortunately, the estate owner, a very helpful Dutch gentleman, came to our rescue. He kindly offered us the use of his own boat and led us down the loch to his boathouse, even calling his gamekeeper for assistance. The keeper arrived with an agrocat, ready to winch the boat out and tow it down to the loch.

It was an incredibly generous gesture, but in the end we declined. It would have meant another long haul with the engine and battery, and with my health condition I simply wasn’t up to it. We thanked them both sincerely for their kindness, then made our way back. Vaughan salvaged the afternoon by heading out in his float tube, while I returned to our accommodation for much needed  rest.

Wednesday

After the exertions of the previous days, I wisely took a rest day. Stroke recovery demands patience, and sometimes the body dictates a slower pace, even in the Highlands. The rest did me good and prepared me for the fishing still to come.

Thursday

I returned to Yarrows, this time in the company of John. The day began very quietly, and for a while it felt as though the loch might not wake up at all. But once things stirred, the fishing turned lively, and we ended up enjoying another excellent session. I brought around a dozen trout to the boat, while John out-fished me slightly with about fifteen.

Friday

My final day of the trip took me to the shores of Stemster, fishing on foot. It proved a challenging outing. I raised a few half-hearted splashy rises to my flies and only one firm take to a foam daddy which I felt briefly. John fared better, landing two fine trout, one of them around the two-pound mark, a proper Highland specimen.

And so my week ended as it began: with a blank. Still, between those quiet bookends were days of fine fishing and precious moments shared.

With a bit of luck, my health will be stronger by next season, and we’ll have the chance to gather again, perhaps at a new corner of Scotland chasing trout together.