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Master craftsman Harry Jamieson who has custom-made rods for the King and Queen is donating many of his tools to a local men’s charity
The official fishing rod maker to the Royal family is retiring after 50 years of service – and 4,000 rods.
Master craftsman Harry Jamieson, 79, has custom-made rods for the King and Queen and celebrities including Billy Connolly.
Based in a workshop in Nethy Bridge in the Scottish Highlands, Harry is now stepping back and has donated many of his tools to a local charity.
He hopes someone younger will now take over his royal-appointed duties.
Mr Jamieson said: “I’ve decided to wind down and make way for a younger person.
“There will be someone out there with the time on their hands to carry on the mantle of producing custom-made fishing rods for those who want them.”
Speaking of the King, he said: “He’s very, very easy-going and a good listener.’’
Mr Jamieson has received thank you notes over the years including those from King Charles.
King Charles wrote: “Dear Harry, I was so touched to receive that marvellous tweed reel cover for Christmas.
“From now on I shall be able to tie up my reel in relative comfort and security and could not be more grateful to you for such a generous thought.
“Yours most sincerely, Charles.”
South American Greenheart hardwood is the King’s preferred choice for a rod because it is supple and considered perfect for the nearby River Spey.
A note from the Queen said: “Dear Harry, I am thrilled with my new fishing rod and wanted to write and thank you for your incredible kindness.
“I have already tried it out on the Naver, but sadly the water was too low and I didn’t manage to catch anything.
“Nevertheless I greatly enjoyed the experience. This comes with my warmest good wishes and heartfelt thanks, Camilla.”
Mr Jamieson and his wife Chris live in their restored Craigmore Mill, where Harry works in his workshop. He said it takes about three months to make a rod.
“You just have to continue planing, planing until it’s right for fashioning into the finished article,” he added.
“But that’s another phase of the work and it all takes time, if you’re going to do it right.”
Mr Jamieson said as he approaches his 80th year that health issues have become a factor and it’s time to slow down and reflect.
He has already started creating space in his workshop, donating a range of high-precision tools, some of them historic pieces, to the Badenoch Men’s Shed project.