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Sea Angler to Take on Rest of the World

STRANRAER sea angler Billy Russell will soon be taking on the rest of the world at his favourite sporting past-time.

For in September, Billy (29), a cabin attendant with Stena Line, will travel to Ostend in Belgium to represent Scotland in the world sea angling championships.

And just to get his hand in, he will also represent his country in a home international against England, Wales and Northern Ireland at Fort William in June.

Billy, who lives with his wife Dorothy and young daughter at 35 Culhorn Road, Stranraer, has been fishing since he was a youngster.

In that time he has amassed fishing tackle worth around £1500 - and he will need most if not all of it in the competitions ahead.

He explained that the Scottish Federation of Sea Anglers invited applications from sea anglers who thought they were good enough to compete at international level to send in an application form.

Billy decided to try his luck as no one from this area had entered before, so he applied, providing details of his angling experience. And he was chosen to represent Scotland.