Loch Lomond's angling administrators have narrowly survived a vote to retain control of the historic association which runs salmon and sea trout fishing on the famous tourist attraction.

A tense emergency meeting of the 100-year-old Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association (LLAIA) in Glasgow ended with the committee led by chairman, Michael Brady, receiving the backing of members by 116 votes to 110.

The meeting followed months of campaigning by a breakaway group calling for change to the LLAIA constitution and more transparency in the management of the organisation. The LLAIA's annual meeting in March broke up in disarray after a vote of no confidence in the committee, which then had to take legal advice after the rebel group attempted to set up an alternative administration.

Claims of financial mis-management were levied at the LLAIA committee whose chairman responded with allegations of "smears and lies" being spread on internet forums.

One website, Fishing the Leven, was shut down by its hosts last week after threats of legal action from the LLAIA.

Stewart Inglis, a Clydebank teacher who had put himself forward as the secretary of an "alternative commitee" said: "We are desperately disappointed to have lost this by just six votes. But the committee will have to take notice of the level of opposition.

"We are confident there will be radical changes."

He declined to speculate on what the breakaway group's next steps might be.

"We will want to reflect on the decision and consider our position," he added.

The LLAIA has more than 630 members paying up to £175 a year for salmon and sea trout fishing throughout the Loch Lomond catchment.