Fisheries Management Scotland (FMS) is excited to announce the successful funding by SSEN of the third year of the Working with Rivers initiative as a vital pathway into Scotland’s fisheries and river restoration sector. Delivered in partnership with NatureScot, the programme delivers paid placements that equip people in their early careers with the practical skills and experience needed to help conserve and manage freshwater ecosystems across Scotland.
The participating trusts in this year’s programme are the Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust; the Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust; the Kyle of Sutherland Rivers Trust; the Tay Rivers Trust; Wester Ross Fisheries Trust and the Spey Foundation.
At its heart, Working with Rivers responds to the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change by building a skilled, motivated workforce capable of delivering strategic river restoration, natural flood management, invasive species control and riparian habitat enhancement. Six-month placements with trusts and fisheries boards give participants direct experience with real projects and fieldwork that underpin healthier river systems and help grow capacity within the host organisations.
Dr Alan Wells, CEO of Fisheries Management Scotland said “The Working with Rivers Fund is a fantastic opportunity for interns to join our member network and access training and high-quality experience in working with rivers. In 2026, seven of our member organisations will be funded to recruit an intern for six months.
“We are hugely grateful to all funding partners – SSEN, NatureScot and our members – for working together to make this happen. The funding will allow our members to employ interns to assist with the delivery of a programme of activities which are crucial to the health of our rivers. This includes the protection and conservation of our river habitats, outreach with schools, aquatic monitoring, river restoration actions, invasive species control and a range essential fisheries management actions.”
Fisheries Management Scotland, the Scottish Fisheries Coordination Centre and Nature Scot are coordinating training opportunities and supporting host organisations to deliver structured development experiences. The scheme’s success in training participants in the past two years of the programme highlights its value both for individual careers and for the community of river management organisations seeking to expand capacity.
From a Fisheries Management Scotland perspective, investments like Working with Rivers are essential not just for skills development but for the future resilience of Scotland’s freshwater fish populations and their habitats. By fostering practical expertise, enhancing cross-sector networks, and supporting the next generation of environmental professionals, the programme helps ensure our rivers are managed sustainably for nature and people alike.
