The Trust is governed by a Board of 12 Directors and a Company Secretary representing a wide range of interests and professions, including anglers, land managers, legal professionals, business, conservation and tourism.
GFT Directors (updated June 2026):
Mr R J Bellamy (Vice-chair)
Mr M O Davies (Chair)
Mr J M Haley
Mr M G R Hannay
Mr J P H Ingall
Mr M Emkes
Dr Mary Ann Smyth
Mrs M A H Nicholson
Mr C Morton
Earl of Stair
Lord Vaux of Harrowden
Mr W G Marshall
G Moore (Company Secretary)
The Trust employees have a wide range of skills and expertise to ensure we can effectively deliver our objectives. Additional field surveyors are employed to help during most summers. Trust staff and Directors sit on various boards and steering groups to assist in delivering our aims and objectives including the Scottish Fisheries Co-ordination Centre, Loch Ken Trust, Fisheries Management Scotland, Local Advisory Group, South Scotland Conservancy Regional Stakeholder Group and the Wild Salmon Strategy Implementation Plan Delivery Group.
The Galloway Fisheries Trust changed its name to Galloway Rivers Trust in June 2026 to reflect the organisation's broader role in protecting and improving local rivers and freshwater environments. While fisheries remains an important part of our activities, the Trust works across river catchments, including habitat restoration, water quality, education, invasive species control and community engagement.
GFT is a Fair Work Employer.
GFT recently attended the Fisheries Management Scotland Conference 'Salmon and People in a changing world.
This year's Saving the Sparling Project Intern has been continuing with the Sparling Goes to School Project by visiting local primary schools to teach pupils about the amazing Sparling.
Courtney is GFT's second Saving the Sparling intern. She has been working towards the arrival of Sparling since she began in December, focusing on education and public engagement. Sparling arrived in the Cree around the 22nd of February. This news story is Courtney's update on how it all went.