Meet the man who handmakes thousands of flies a year for Gleneagles

It was during this period that naming conventions emerged, too, with patterns attributed to makers and regions. Some, like the Jock Scott, became renowned for their complexity. First tied in the mid-19th century on the River Tweed, it can require more than 20 individual materials, including tinsel, ostrich herl, bustard, teal and golden pheasant crest. Now, Willie says, these discontinued materials can sell for a small fortune when they come up at auction.

Willie has come up with his own designs over the year, including the Gleneagles Glory, which is golden in colour and known for its movement in the water. It became so popular with guests that everyone who goes out fishing with the hotel’s team is presented with one attached to a kilt pin, to keep as a memento.

Willie has come up with his own designs over the year, including the Gleneagles Glory

John Hersey

It became so popular with guests that everyone who goes fishing is presented with one to keep as a memento

John Hersey

“My signature fly would be a take on the traditional loch-style fly, the Kate McLaren,” says Wille. “It’s been around for generations and is still great at catching fish, but I make it with a slight change in the dressing that’s become my own version. It’s probably been my best fly over the last 10 years.”

What is now a business and a way of life for Willie grew from the constraints of his childhood. “I started tying flies because I didn’t have much pocket money. Flies were expensive, so I thought I’d make my own.”

“I started tying flies because I didn’t have much pocket money. Flies were expensive, so I thought I’d make my own.”

John Hersey