Norman McCaig

Andrew Greig, author of ‘At The Loch of the Green Corrie’, a memoir inspired by his friendship with the poet Norman McCaig and a Caught by the River book of the year, told me some time ago that he was going to be visiting LGC with a film crew who were making a documentary on McCaig. Last week I asked him how they got on:

Hi Jeff –
yes, we had a great 4 days – self, Aly Bain, Billy C went up to the Loch of the Green Corrie. Camped overnight, fished the evening, then woke to snow (white corrie). Chilly but hilarious, and wonderful to be back. The lovely Cathel McLeod acted as our ghillie. My highlight was playing in our Mess Tent with Aly and Billy – self on guitar, Bill banjo, Aly of course fiddling. We mostly played Hank Williams and general America – much fun and laughter.
The NM documentary will be screened in Nov for the centenary, and will feature at least some time at the Green Corrie, fishing, talking about Norman, the place, Assynt, fishing, poetry etc. Broadcast on BBC Scotland, and BBC4. I’ll try to let you know exactly when once I know.
I’ve heard from several people who have been there since reading my book, and glad to hear only one caught fish! I had wonderful day fishing on Harray in Orkney, with Aly B and Norman Irvine, expertise incarnate. Caught some 16 of the most gleaming, healthy, glowing, beautiful wild browns we’d ever seen – kept 7 over 12″, returned the rest. Lovely day out drifting under huge sky. Have bought myself a lighter rod on Norman’s recommendation, and still have some of his tied flies (variations on hedgehogs).
Fab!
cheers, Andrew G

we’ll give you the broadcast date of the documentary when we get it.
Copies of ‘At The Loch of the Green Corrie’ are available in the Caught by the River shop priced £15.00