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