After five decades of dedicated service, Harry Jamieson, the official fishing rod maker to the British royal family, is hanging up his tools. The 79-year-old master craftsman, based in Nethy Bridge in the Scottish Highlands, has decided to retire after creating an impressive 4,000 rods throughout his career.
Jamieson's clientele includes not only King Charles and Queen Camilla but also notable figures such as Scottish comedian Billy Connolly. His workshop, nestled in the picturesque Cairngorms National Park, has been the birthplace of countless custom-made fishing rods, each a testament to his skill and dedication.
"He's very, very easy-going and a good listener."
As he approaches his 80th year, Jamieson has cited health concerns as a primary reason for his retirement. He expressed hope that a younger individual would take over his royal-appointed duties, stating, "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."
The craftsmanship involved in creating these bespoke fishing rods is both time-consuming and meticulous. Jamieson revealed that it typically takes about three months to complete a single rod, emphasizing the importance of patience and precision in the process. "You just have to continue planing, planing until it's right for fashioning into the finished article," he explained.
Throughout his career, Jamieson has received numerous thank-you notes from his royal clients. King Charles, known for his preference for South American Greenheart hardwood due to its suppleness and suitability for fishing in the nearby River Spey, once wrote, "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."
As part of his retirement process, Jamieson has begun donating many of his high-precision tools, some of which are historic pieces, to the Badenoch Men's Shed project. This gesture not only creates space in his workshop but also supports a local community initiative.
The legacy of Harry Jamieson's craftsmanship will undoubtedly live on, as his custom-made rods continue to be cherished by royalty and fishing enthusiasts alike. His retirement marks the end of an era in the world of bespoke fishing equipment, highlighting the increasing rarity of such specialized skills in today's mass-production age.