About Us

 

 

 

 

 

We are a team of dedicated Ayrshire based biologists, ecologists and environmental managers working to improve our rivers and lochs.

Mission Statement

 

The aims of the Trust are to promote and support initiatives designed to conserve, enhance and develop our fisheries for the enjoyment of current and future generations, and to preserve a valuable part of our natural heritage.

Our Objectives

Fishery Management

Provide the scientific expertise for fishery management initiatives and environmental improvement.

Habitat Improvement

Identify and develop projects to deliver improvements for freshwater habitat and ecology.

Community and Education

Engage with communities and provide volunteering opportunities,  raising awareness through social education of the catchments and fisheries.

Partnerships

Establish and maintain strong links with local and national organisations with interests in conservation and fishery management.

Lobby for Conservation

Provide an authoritative voice in Ayrshire to lobby for conservation of our national rivers, lochs and fisheries.

Meet The Team

Stuart Brabbs

Trust manager

Stuart joined the Trust as a full time member of staff in 2008 after gaining a BSc (Hons.) in Sustainable Environmental Management awarded by Edinburgh University. He took over the senior management role in 2012 and continues to develop and expand the Trusts remit. He is a life long angler particularly interested in wild brown trout.
Email: stuart@ayrshireriverstrust.org

Struan Candlish

Fisheries biologist

Following a BSc (Hons) degree in Countryside Management, Struan joined the Trust in 2015. Volunteering with the Trust since the age of 13, Struan has over 15 years experience with the Trust and is involved with all aspects of the Trusts work. Outside of work his interests include photography, film making and various outdoor physical pursuits and is a life long angler.

Email: struan@ayrshireriverstrust.org

Carolyn Bryce

Biologist
Carolyn joined the Trust in 2022 after 8 years working with Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust as their biologist. Carolyn gained her undergraduate degree in Marine and Freshwater Biology at University of Glasgow, and went on to do her masters of research in Marine and Freshwater Ecology and Environmental Management with the Loughs Agency in Ireland. Outside of work, Carolyn plays touch rugby in Glasgow.

Email: carolyn@ayrshireriverstrust.org

Jennifer Garland

Office manager
Jennifer is originally from Ayrshire and started with the trust in March 2022. She has come from an administrative background and is experienced in all aspects of office management, funding application and reporting. Jennifer has also taken on the role of secretary to the River Ayr DSFB. In her spare time she competes her horses all over the country at various horse shows.
Email: jennifer@ayrshireriverstrust.org

Ian Jackson

Catchment Officer
Ian joined the trust after a lifetime working within the construction industry, initially joining us as a trainee through the NatureScot ‘Working With Rivers’ initiative. Ian provides general support to all aspects of the trust operations from invasive weed control to electrofishing to plant care. Since starting in early 2022 he has enjoyed learning many new skills and continues to do so.

Morag Maguire

Assistant Seasonal Biologist
Morag studied Marine Biology at University of Aberdeen and then went on to complete her Masters of Science in Biological sciences in 2022. She is currently working towards achieving her  PADI open water instructor certification. In her free time, she works with a pedigree Galloway herd down in Dumfries and Galloway.  
Email: morag@ayrshireriverstrust.org

Trustees

Sir Patrick Hunter Blair

Chair

Douglas MacInnes

Donald Ross

Fiona Ross

Andrew Sinclair 

Allan Deans

Vice Chair

David Hutton

Martin Donachy

Col Sandy Fitzpatrick MBE

History

Ayrshire Rivers Trust was formed in the year 2000 and is a registered Scottish charity, the immediate goal of the Trust was to raise sufficient funds to employ a full time biologist to begin the work.

The first biologist was employed in 2002 and the trust has gone from strength to strength since. Currently, the trust employs six full-time staff members to meet the many challenges that Ayrshire rivers face. It has become clear to the Trust that there are many opportunities to enhance the environment in and around our rivers, both to improve fish stocks, and also to bring wider biodiversity benefits.

Support us!

Every small donation helps! Payment by credit/debit card is quick and easy.

Or, become a member!

View our membership options and contribute to the improvement and protection of Ayrshire’s rivers and lochs.