Loch Hope

Who's Who

The man on the spot at Hope is Ian McDonald, the Hope Estate's keeper and water bailiff, who has day-to-day responsibility for boating and fishing on the Loch.  Liaise with Ian if you are taking a North End boat for the first time; you can contact him on 01847 601 272, or by writing to The Keeper's Cottage, Hope, by Lairg, Sutherland IV27 4UJ.

The letting agents for boat bookings and Estate accommodation are CKD Galbraith in Perth, who can take credit card bookings and can be reached on 01738 451 600. CKDG website

The West Sutherland Fisheries Trust  carries out research and conservation work for the West Sutherland area, of which Hope is the most easterly part. The Trust is a charitable body funded partly by the Fisheries Board and partly by private donations, and managed by marine biologist Dr. Shona Marshall. Any donation gratefully received. Address: WSFT, Gardeners Cottage, Scourie, Lairg IV27 4SX. Tel: 01971 502259. WSFT website

The North & West Salmon District Fishery Board is the statutory body which sets the broad rules governing Loch Hope fishing, including season dates, number of boats and rods allowed, catch policy etc. The Board's territory extends from Hope in the north to Achiltibuie in the south.  For more about the Hope regulations, see Rules & Regs.

This website is maintained by the Hope Estate, which is responsible for the fishery from the south end of Loch Hope northwards.  The fishery manager is Sam Boileau, who practices as an environmental lawyer in London, and represents the Estate on the Fisheries Board.  You can contact Sam by writing to him at Braesgill Ltd., Wyaston Grove, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 2DR.  Or by email to LochHope@aol.com. All comments are welcome, and we'd particularly like to hear if there is any part of the site which you find doesn't work properly or causes problems with your browser.