Our Team

Brian was appointed as River Director to the Ness DSFB in Jan 2022. As Director, Brian is responsible for the executive management of the board’s affairs. He has 35 years of fisheries experience, including management, science, hatchery operation, habitat enhancement and aquaculture.

He graduated from Stirling University in 1984 with a Biology degree, specialising in Aquatic biology. A 20 year career in aquaculture followed, mainly in sea water production of salmon, and rainbow trout. There was also an interest in a mussel farm. In 2005, Brian followed his primary interest in wild-fisheries with a move to Ayrshire Rivers Trust as Senior Biologist. A move to the River Spey in 2012 in a similar role provided further opportunities to expand his knowledge of freshwater ecology and salmon fisheries.

A keen angler, and observer of nature, Brian is always interested in hearing about, and discussing, any issues affecting the Ness catchment.

John has been Head Water Bailiff for the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board for over 20 years. His responsibilities include the day-to-day management of our field team, ensuring the practical delivery of our fisheries enforcement and river management strategies.

Originally from Dingwall, John has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Ness system. Having been a game keeper and ghillie for 20 years prior to his time on the Ness, John brings a broad understanding of wildlife and countryside issues.

John is particularly passionate about the promotion of catch and release, introducing a number of successful voluntary initiatives to the Ness system over the years.

Chris took up the new SSE funded position of Fisheries Officer with the Ness DSFB in June 2019. He is responsible for assisting in the protection, monitoring and management of wild salmon and sea trout populations and their habitats in the rivers, lochs and coastal areas of the Ness district.

He has over 20 years’ experience in fisheries management and has worked for the River Conon District Salmon Fishery Board as a Water Bailiff and with the West Sutherland Fisheries Trust as an Assistant Biologist. He then worked as the LIFE + funded Perils in Peril Project ‘River Watcher’, before spending five years as a biologist with the Ness and Beauly Fisheries Trust.

During this time Chris has gained SFCC accreditations in electro-fishing (for which he is a trainer), habitat surveying and has completed the SNIFFER barrier assessment course. He is also a trainer in Freshwater Pearl Mussel surveys. He holds both the IFM certificate and diploma along with a HNC in Fish Production Management. Chris is also a qualified drone pilot and holds both A2 CofC and GVC certificates.