"I used to fish the Border rivers, but nowadays you have to queue up for a shot and I can't stand that"

Norman MacCaig's quote shows a sense of nostalgia for a time when fishing the Border rivers was a simpler and more enjoyable experience. He implies that the rivers have ended up being more crowded, which anglers now have to wait in line for a possibility to fish. This recommends that the rivers have actually ended up being more popular, which the number of people fishing has increased. MacCaig expresses his dislike of this situation, as he prefers the freedom of fishing without having to wait in line. His quote communicates a sense of yearning for the past, when fishing was a more relaxed and enjoyable activity. It likewise reflects a sense of aggravation at the current state of affairs, as MacCaig is not able to enjoy the rivers in the very same way as he used to.