Meet the Team
Director - Dr Keith Williams
Keith joined Kyle Fisheries as Director in 2014, bringing valuable experience gained whilst working for the Cromarty Firth District Salmon Fishery Board and the Ness & Beauly Fisheries Trust. Keith has an MSc in Marine and Fisheries Science from Aberdeen University and a PhD from Cardiff University that involved a study on the relationship between nutrient levels and salmon production. He has had several academic papers and numerous scientific reports published. His particular skills include telemetry techniques for both juvenile and adult salmon in addition to electro-fishing and seine netting surveys.
Prior to becoming director Keith represented the Kyle of Sutherland Angling Association (KOSAA) as a member on both the Kyle Fishery Board and the Kyle Trust.
Keith is also a keen salmon and trout fisherman and he has fished extensively in the British Isles and beyond. Perhaps ill-advisedly though, his other interests include a lifelong devotion to the fortunes of Manchester City Football Club.
Business Administrator - Jo-Anne Leonard
Jo-Anne grew up locally and has over 20 years of experience working in aquaculture and administration. Jo-Anne has a keen interest in fishing and the environment in general, loves to get outdoors and can be seen regularly out on the rivers and lochs with her two children.
Jo-Anne has travelled extensively and spent a year in America as a student studying science. She also spent 10 years as a crew member on the Invergordon lifeboat service.
"I am delighted to be working for the Fisheries Board and think the work they do is invaluable. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and to mixing my admin role with getting out in the field."
Kyle Riverwoods Restoration Officer - Clementine Leemans
In April 2023 we welcomed Clementine Leemans for 6 months as part of the Working With Rivers Scheme funded by Graduate Career Advantage Scotland and established in 2022 by NatureScot. Clementine has extended her stay beyond her internship and is now engaged in delivering the Kyle Riverwoods Project.
Originally from Belgium, Clementine has a Masters in Conservation Biology from Lund University in Sweden where she studied the influence of moose, red, roe and fallow deer densities on woodland vegetation. Clementine also has experience in native bird conservation and invasive species control in New Zealand, further to newt, reptile, bat, badger and dormice surveys and translocations in the UK.
Clementine has many personal interests include hillwalking, Climbing, cycling, botany and sewing
Science Officer - Mira O'Donnell
Mira started as the Science Officer in June 2024 having previously worked in aquaculture. Mira obtained her BSc in Marine Biology from the University of Stirling, having done her dissertation focussing on parasites affecting the organs of the Norway Lobsters in the River Clyde. During university, Mira was the secretary for the University of Stirling Marine Conservation Society.
In 2022 and 2023 Mira furthered her passion for conservation by volunteering in North Cyprus with SPOT to conserve Green Sea turtles and Loggerhead turtles.
Mira's personal interests include reading, travelling and long walks on the beach.
Tree Nursery Manager - Marie Le Nepveu Stratton
Tasked with establishing a native tree nursery as part of the Riverwoods initiative, Marie joined the Rivers Trust team in April 2024. With 25 years experience in commercial horticulture, growing trees from local seed sources and supporting volunteers to get involved with nature restoration offers an exciting opportunity to inspire and teach the next generation. Marie gained her BSc in Land Management & Technology at Askham Bryan College, is currently studying Wildlife & Conservation Management and is happiest in a hands-on practical role. Fondly known by the team as “Marie the Tree” her personal interests include hand spinning yarn, gardening, walking and watching wildlife.
Seasonal Staff - Ross Gollan (Ecologist)
Ross grew up locally in the village of Edderton and joined the Kyle of Sutherland Rivers Trust in March 2022. After attending Edderton Primary School and Tain Royal Academy, Ross studied Physical Geography at the University of Glasgow with focus on Geomorphology and Glaciation.
Post university, Ross travelled and worked in New Zealand before taking on a seasonal job as Bailiff for the Kyle of Sutherland Fisheries Board. Having always had a keen interest in the natural world, Ross looks forward to working with the fisheries team on all aspects of freshwater fisheries conservation. Ross spends most of his free time running up and down hills (for fun!) across Europe but will dabble in sea kayaking and cycle-touring when the weather allows.
Fishery Enforcement Team
Angling in the Kyle of Sutherland District contributes 3 to 4 million pounds annually to the local economy and supports 80-90 full-time-equivalent jobs. Poaching can therefore not only cause irreparable environmental damage, but also have a significant impact upon the local economy and damage the rural community.
The Kyle Fishery Board employ Water Bailiffs to protect the Kyle catchment from the illegal poaching of salmon, sea trout and other fish species. The bailiffs are empowered under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003. The bailiffs are warranted to enforce the legislation and have statutory powers of entry, search and seizure. The production by a bailiff of their warrant is sufficient authority for the exercise of the powers. Along with enforcement the bailiffs are responsible for the day to day delivery of our river management strategies and as part of that the rivers are patrolled 7 days a week. Their powers extend to the whole of the Kyle district and to any adjoining salmon fishery districts.
Whilst poaching activity may have appeared to be declining in recent years. During Covid restrictions poaching activity increased tenfold and the Water Bailiffs were ever active in protecting our rivers. The number of arrests and convictions may be low, but there is no doubt that having a dedicated and professional enforcement team is a vital deterrent in preventing illegal activity.