We are sad to share the news that Campbell Thomson, an instructor and sales advisor for retail outlet Sportfish and a popular face at The Game Fair and GWCT Scottish Game Fair, has passed away.

Alongside his work with Sportfish, Campbell was regularly seen on Scott Mackenzie’s stand as a member of Scott’s prestigious ‘pro team’ at The Game Fair and was present this summer as the event made a welcome return.

Campbell has fished for salmon all over the world including the UK, Russia, Iceland, Norway and British Columbia in Canada. He has also fly fished in various saltwater locations including Mexico, Cuba, Mauritius, Tobago and many more.

He returned to his native Scotland after a long spell as an instructor and sales advisor with Sportfish and, although now based in Argyll, continued to be an active part of the Sportfish team helping to host residential courses, delivering casting instruction and assisting at events and open weekends.

Game Fair angling consultant John Hunter said: “We were all shocked and saddened to hear of Campbell’s sudden passing. He was a regular at the event, alongside Scott, and we often shared a laugh and a joke during the show; indeed we shared a beer or two back at the end of July at Ragley Hall and talked about the GWCT Scottish Game Fair too.

“He will be missed by all in the industry and the thoughts of the whole team here are with his family, his friends and his colleagues at this time.”

A Sportfish spokesman added: “Campbell was a much-valued member of the retail and tuition team for 10 years and he will be greatly missed, both by his colleagues and his many friends throughout the fishing world.

“Campbell brought to his role an engaging mixture of humour and professionalism and loved nothing more than to make the technicalities of salmon fishing an achievable reality for fishers of all abilities.

“Farlows and Sportfish offer sincere condolences to Campbell’s wife, Lynne, and his family at this sad time.”