On Tuesday 19th March, the time came to let the small trout go into the Burn of Quoykea, situated within walking distance of the school. Led by Mr. McIntosh, their teacher and Sandy Kerr from the Orkney Trout Fishing Association, who very kindly supervised the project, the Primary 7 pupils were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable, as Sandy’s presentation back in January was still very fresh in their minds. The little burn, in spite of its diminutive size,  remains a crucial watercourse for the reproduction of Orkney sea-trout in the East-Mainland and bringing young people by the burn raises awareness about the importance of its role in the local biodiversity.

Actually, the pupils may well be back in the summer, as Sandy offered to give an electro-fishing demonstration in order to monitor the health and growth of the alevins.

In the meantime, let’s hope the weather improves and that the warmer water brings our fry plenty of food!

Thank you to everybody who helped to make the project happen.

Mr. P