Magiscroft boasts the title of Scotland’s “premier coarse fishery” and many from the Lothians travel to the water near Cumbernauld to try to land a number of the 14 different species in the water.
Former Scottish international Ronnie MacLeod, who has represented his country on more than 20 occasions including the World Championships, with a best finish of fourth, masterminds the facility he created from a former quarry.
There are seven ponds to pick from, the largest is around 2.5 acres, and when you buy your ticket and you can try your luck on any of the ponds with the Island Pond proving extremely popular on the day we visited.
During our three hour stay, a carp of nearly 12lbs was landed, almost nine pounds less than the record carp landed at the lake only a few weeks ago.
Picture: Andrew Meikle from Longniddry, golf manager at Archerfield in East Lothian, is a Magiscroft regular
BASIC DETAILS
Contact: Ronnie MacLeod
Address: Garngibboch Road, Condorrat, Cumbernauld G67 4AF
T: 01236 737577
M: 07455 120397
Open: seven days a week, all year
Cash or card or both: Cash only
Opening times: 8am currently but 9am in winter, closes 8pm summer and 5pm winter
Disabled facilities: toilets and the top pond is disabled friendly as it straight off the main car park.
Please note: There is a short walk from the car park down a slope to six of the ponds, including the main pond, and eight barrows are available at the shop/cafe area
Species: coarse fish including carp, roach, perch
Record: mirror carp of over 21lb
Depth: main pond up to 16ft, 13ft in the middle, and all other ponds are between 4ft and 5ft
Suggested minimum breaking strain line: 6lb
Basic price: £8
Option: two rods in the water at any one time on the Main Loch only for £12
Concessions: £7 for under-16
Carp on the fly: not allowed
Equipment hire: none
Catching method: float and feeder rods and poles
How many pegs: 150
How many boats: none
Baits allowed: no meat or nut-based baits but maggot and worm plus hemp and sweetcorn are permitted. The fishery has pellets on sale and they should be used.
Bait stocked: yes
Is tackle available on-site: extensive shop with essentials and accessories
Site facilities: two toilets
Food availability: vending machines for snacks and drinks and the cafe is open at weekends only between noon and 4pm.
Toilets: two
Disabled toilet: yes
Optional extras:
Coaching: Ronnie MacLeod regularly walks around the facility advising anglers and coaching can be supplied on request
Pike: fishing for pike is allowed in the winter, normally November to March but this is determined by the weather
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