The villages of Dunkeld and Birnam lie idyllically beside each other in one of the most beautiful and picturesque areas in the the whole of Perthshire, if not Scotland. Flowing majestically between the two is the world famous river Tay. This is an area steeped in history and tradition. Dunkeld is the ancient Scottish capital, indeed, as you stroll along the river bank you will find the world famous Birnam Oak, the last surviving tree of the wood in Shakespeare's Scottish play, Macbeth. “I look'd toward Birnam, and anon, methought, The wood began to move.” Here too is where you will find the famous salmon fishing beat of lower Newtyle.

Ian Redford, formerly a Scottish International Footballer, ex Dundee FC, Glasgow Rangers, Dundee United and Ipswich Town, now a 2 handicap golfer, is the co-owner of lower Newtyle and founder of Fair Game Scotland.

“Fair Game Scotland was born through my idea to provide a means for people to savour a taste of traditional Scottish leisure. My whole working life has been in professional sport and, over the years, I have travelled throughout the world and have experienced what many countries have to offer in terms of leisure pursuits. To me, the tranquillity, breathtaking natural beauty, tradition and diversity of the Scottish countryside has never been surpassed.

Lower Newtyle has been in the Redford family for over thirty years. There’s a fine tradition of friendship and hospitality and, in our charming fishing “Ludge”, many tales have been told over the years about fish caught and the characters who have graced the Newtyle water. Here we have one of the few beats on the river Tay which has managed to retain that unique and charming atmosphere which is so good for the soul. I call it the Newtyle therapy!

Jock Monteith, our resident Gillie, has his heart very much in the Tay. As a boy he was taught to fish and learned all about the river through his mentor, the late and legendary, Willie Laird (“Willie the Gillie”). Nobody today knows the water better than Jock and no-one will try harder to get you a fish than Jock “The Otter”.

Of course, first and foremost, you want to catch a Salmon, but you also need to relax and unwind. You want to be able to sit in the warmth and comfort of the “Ludge”, eat good food and drink fine wine or a “hae a wee dram” whilst relaxing in our tranquil and picturesque surroundings.

When you leave you will want to feel you have enjoyed the experience of landing a Salmon but, more importantly, you will want to leave feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. Once you’ve had the Newtyle experience, you will begin to appreciate the things that really matter. Being able to unwind, relax and enjoy the moment is FAIR GAME!”

Ian Redford.