Prior to joining RAFTS in 2008 Dr Horrill spent two decades working in Africa, Europe, Asia and the Pacific for international development agencies and NGOs, leading multi-disciplinary teams, on natural resource management including freshwater fisheries, marine and coastal management, development and conservation projects such as integrated coastal zone management and protected area development.

Dr Horrill commented: “Over the last six years RAFTS and its members have demonstrated that they play an increasingly important role in the management of Scotland’s rivers, lochs and inshore coastal waters.

“I am therefore delighted to be appointed the Director of RAFTS and am looking forward to working with our members and partners to continue to develop and implement innovative and strategic approaches to address the wide ranging issues affecting Scotland’s rivers and lochs”.

Andrew Wallace, Chairman of RAFTS, said: “Chris Horrill’s appointment follows the departure of previous Director, Callum Sinclair, who has taken up the post of Director of Scotland and Northern England for The Conservation Volunteers. We are delighted at the appointment of Chris who, as an already highly valued member of staff, will provide continuity but also a new perspective for the organisation”.