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.
Cameron Watson
Assistant Biologist
Cameron studied Geography at University of Glasgow and then went on to complete his Masters of Science in Wildlife Biology and Conservation in 2023. In his free time, Cameron plays basketball for the Glasgow Devils.
Email: cameron@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.