Location

Avochie Estate is 2 miles upstream of the village of Milltown of Rothiemay and 7 miles from Huntly. Directions: From Huntly take the B9022 towards Portsoy (off the A96 Huntly by-pass). After approx: 5 miles the road goes under a railway bridge and then over the river Isla. Take the next right (B9118) to Rothiemay (alongside the river Deveron). Once in the village turn right, past the school, village shop and Forbes Arms- over the river Deveron and turn right. After approx: 1 mile turn right into Avochie (signposted on sharp left hand bend).

Summary

Download a map of the beat here.

The Fishing

The Salmon and Sea Trout fishings comprise over two and a half miles of the famous River Deveron. There are 24 named pools, and all but one stretch of 900 yards are double bank fishing. The beat is good fly water, with a good variation of pools and rapids. The River Isla joins the Deveron at the Avochie junction pool. There are two large fishing huts -- complete with wood burning stoves, brew-up facilities, separate rod rooms and toilets -- and two storm shelters. The river offers unrestricted access along the entire beat, and there is good vehicular access along most of it. A reasonable amount of the fishings is suitable for disabled fishermen. Full information regarding the Avochie beats is available on the Avochie Fishings web site

Other Activities

Tennis: Within the gardens, close to the house, is a hard surface tennis court. Field Sports: Depending on the season and subject to arrangement, the estate offers rough shooting over 1,500 acres of mixed arable and woodland, wild duck flighting over two ponds, and roebuck stalking. Clay pigeon shooting is available throughout the year. Golf: There are over a dozen golf courses within half an hour's drive of Avochie, all open to visitors upon payment of a modest green fee. Sightseeing: The estate lies within the 'Castle Country' of Aberdeenshire; many outstanding houses are open to the public, and a 'Castle Trail' has been established by the Scottish Tourist Board. The heartland of Scotch whisky lies just to the west, on Speyside, and many distilleries welcome visitors. The region abounds with places of scenic beauty and interest, including the picturesque fishing villages on the Moray Firth, 20 minutes to the north.

How to book

To book fishing contact Frank Henderson of Turriff Tackle. Tel: 01888 562428. See their website www.fishingthedeveron.co.uk.

Accommodation

Avochie House is situated close to the river at the centre of the beat, standing within a landscaped garden and surrounded by specimen trees. The house dates from the 18th century, and has recently been refurbished to a high standard, combining period furniture with modern comfort. The accommodation, on four storeys, comprises a library, morning room, dining room, snooker room, rod room and gun room. There are six bedrooms (accommodating 12 adults) and three further rooms (for children or nannies). Five bathroom / toilets serve the bedrooms, with a further two cloakrooms on the ground floors. A flat in the adjacent stables provides three more bedrooms in case of overflow. The house is maintained by its housekeeper Jackie Parkin and her staff, who also provide first class cooking (breakfast, luncheon and dinner, as required) and a complete laundry service. Fires are made up daily and the house cleaned each day. Fresh linen and towels are provided each week.