THE RIVER TWEED COMMISSION (RTC)

The River Tweed Commission (RTC) is the statutory authority responsible for the protection, regulation and management of salmon, sea trout and other freshwater fish within the River Tweed district. It regulates fisheries and holds enforcement and prosecutorial powers in both Scotland and England.

By law, the Commission comprises 81 elected Commissioners appointed from local authorities, angling clubs and salmon fishery proprietors across the Tweed district. Commissioners meet quarterly and elect a Committee of 8–12 members to act between meetings.

The River Tweed Commission is legally distinct from the Tweed Foundation and the River Tweed Salmon Fishing Museum. The Commission is responsible for fisheries regulation and enforcement, while the Tweed Foundation and Museum operate as independent charitable organisations focused on scientific research, river conservation, education and heritage.

Pictures: The annual opening celebration of the River Tweed Salmon Season in Kelso organised by the RTC and a Tweed Commissioners Meeting.

The River Tweed Commission is supported by a dedicated team working to protect, conserve and promote the River Tweed and its fisheries.

Jamie Stewart. Clerk to the River Tweed Commission.

Jamie joined the team in 2020 as Clerk to the River Tweed Commission and Director of the Tweed Foundation. He provides strategic leadership across both organisations, overseeing governance, fisheries management, conservation programmes and stakeholder engagement throughout the Tweed catchment.

Alison Gorrie. Executive Administrator.

Alison joined the River Tweed Commission and Tweed Foundation in 2020 as Executive Administrator. She provides essential administrative support across both organisations, helping to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of a wide range of projects, programmes and governance activities.

Karl Ferguson. Head Fisheries Officer.

Karl leads fisheries enforcement across the River Tweed district, overseeing the protection of salmon, sea trout and freshwater fisheries through enforcement, monitoring and conservation management.

Working closely with anglers, landowners and partner organisations, Karl and his team help safeguard the river's fisheries and ensure compliance with fisheries legislation throughout the catchment.

Karl's team includes Fisheries Officers Jonathan Brown, Mike Allan and Jake Bell.

Anne Woodcock. Communications, Fundraising and Events.

Anne leads communications, fundraising and events across the River Tweed Commission, Tweed Foundation and the River Tweed Salmon Fishing Museum.

Images: Fishery Officers carrying out fisheries enforcement duties on a Tweed tributary; and Jamie Stewart, Clerk to the River Tweed Commission, presenting at a Commission meeting.