If the islands were bathed in warm sunshine last Wednesday, the weather certainly took a turn for the worse over the week-end and this morning, the prospects of decent weather for release day were unlikely…

However, after dinner, it was mild and the winds were light, and if it hadn’t been for the persistent rain, paddling in the loch, releasing trout would have almost been enjoyable!

Still, it was a relief to see our healthy fry swim away and disappear into the cover of the margins.

A few scoops with a fine mesh net revealed a lot of freshwater shrimps (gammarus) which probably constitute the staple diet of the Bea Loch’s trout population.

In spite of the rather dull weather, it was good to see that it wasn’t just the children who were interested in the peedie troot, but a number of adults also showed interest and joined the group by the banks of the loch: Councillor Clakson, Mr and Mrs Allan and Mr Thorne, the Sanday Ranger, who gave us a little presentation about the species of birds which can be found on or near the loch. He explained to a captive audience that we could,  not only see mute swans but also Whooper swans which would soon start their migration to Iceland. Mr Thorne also spoke about the two main species of ducks present on the loch: tufted ducks and widgeon.

Back to the school, the shed was tidied up, the tank and gravel rinsed, all to be ready for the 2015 edition of Troot in the Shed…

Thank you to Mrs. Lennon and Mrs Muir who accompanied the pupils to the loch but also to Irene who checked the tank daily with the pupils and kept a watchful eye on the development of our fry.

Mr P.