Newspaper Article

Obituary Ian Niall

ALASDAIR STEVEN

2002

Overview

[Ian Niall] (born John McNellie) was born in Old Kirkpatrick on Clydeside. He was the son of a shipyard worker, but was diagnosed suffering from meningitis in his youth so spent his early years with his grandparents in the less harsh conditions of Galloway. It was on the banks of the Solway Firth that Niall's enduring love of the country was born. During the war, Niall moved his family for safety to north Wales. Overlooking the sea just outside Llandudno, Niall cultivated his land and kept various game birds. But the urge to write never left him. The Poacher's Handbook came out in 1950, and it brought him instant fame. Many anglers still maintain that Trout from the Hills, which he wrote in 1961, is one of the most accomplished works on the art of trout fishing. Again, it drew on his comprehensive knowledge of rivers, lakes and lochs throughout Britain. His love of angling never left him, and he eagerly responded to the challenge of fishing - in all weathers - a difficult stretch of water. That enthusiasm and passion Niall brought to his writings with delicate touches and delightful asides.

• Publisher: Scotsman Publications
• Subject: Niall, Ian