Our background
Our predecessor, the Skye Fisheries Trust was set up in 2008, amalgamated with Wester Ross Fisheries Trust in 2017 and following a restructure in 2020, the current Skye and Lochalsh Rivers Trust (SLRT) was formed. We are a registered charity (No. SC039771), regulated by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and a company limited by guarantee registered in Scotland (No. SC344382).
Our geographic area covers the entirety of the Isle of Skye, the nearby Small Isles and over 500 km2 of land within the Lochalsh region stretching from Strathcarron to Loch Hourn on the mainland. Within this geographic range are 14 major rivers on Skye, including the Snizort and Varagill, and 6 in the Lochalsh district, including the Arnisdale and the Shiel, along with countless smaller rivers, burns and tributaries. There are multiple freshwater hill lochs scattered across the area, including the Storr Lochs located below the iconic Old Man of Storr.
These freshwater systems are considered to be of great cultural and ecological value given the presence of multiple protected or endangered species such as Atlantic salmon, European eels and freshwater pearl mussels, in addition to several other fish species such as brown trout.
We are dedicated to delivering independent scientific research and monitoring wild fish stocks, their associated freshwater and estuarine habitats, together with a wide range of other species. The results of this work are valuable to land and river managers, policy makers and local communities, and can inform decisions on conservation management and restoration projects that safeguard these important aquatic habitats from natural and man-made threats.
The Trust strives to work closely with other local organisations that are also engaged with management and ecological work, particularly with local anglers and the Portree Anglers Association and other conservation charities. We feel strongly that collaboration and community are important pillars in successful conservation work and hope that future projects will incorporate wide ranging local expertise to benefit both aquatic and terrestrial landscapes in our area.
