About the Scottish Rivers Fund
Photo: Suzanne Rushton
The Fund is due to launch in 2026 and is hosted by NatureScot
the fund
What we do
Scotland’s rivers are under pressure. The Scottish Rivers Fund was created to change that. We connect the people and businesses who care about Scotland’s rivers with the projects that need their support.
The Fund brings together contributions from individuals and businesses who share a commitment to Scotland’s rivers. Following a rigorous, science-based approach, the funds are then distributed to projects across Scotland that deliver measurable environmental and social outcomes for river catchments, in line with national policy priorities.
The Fund is uniquely placed to enable river restoration. It benefits from a robust governance structure that provides assurance and transparency to contributors and ensures that investments are directed towards projects with the greatest potential to deliver impact, independent of project size.
Our cause
Why do Scotland’s rivers need us?
Scotland’s rivers are woven into the landscape, history, and everyday lives of this country. They are a shared resource we all depend on, yet their contribution often goes unrecognised.
Rivers supply the cold, clean water that sustains communities and businesses, provide habitat for some of our most treasured wildlife, help manage flood risk, store carbon, and offer a source of enjoyment in our leisure time.
Yet many of Scotland’s rivers are struggling. Pollution, habitat loss, and a changing climate are taking their toll. The Scottish Rivers Fund was created to change that, bringing together investment, science, and local knowledge to restore Scotland’s river catchments for nature and people.
Our governance
How the Fund works
Steering Group
Bringing together our core partners, the Steering Group oversees the day-to-day operations of the Fund, ensuring effectiveness, high-standard delivery, and strategic alignment.
Grants Panel
Comprising carefully selected specialists, the Grants Panel oversees the selection of river restoration projects, ensuring investments are directed towards those with the greatest potential to deliver impact for nature and people.
Ethical Contributions Board
Shared with the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF) this board ensures that only high-integrity, values-led investment flows into the Fund.
Contributors’ Forum
Open to all supporters who have contributed to the Fund, the Forum enables open dialogue, peer-to-peer exchange, and shared learning.
Our pillars
Our guiding principles
Responsible private investment
We mobilise funding from individuals and businesses who share a commitment to Scotland’s rivers, ensuring that every contribution is values-led and directed where it can make the greatest difference.
Strategic, long-term funding
We take a considered, long-term approach to funding river restoration, prioritising projects that deliver lasting impact.
Science-led monitoring and reporting
Every project we fund is underpinned by rigorous science, with monitoring and reporting at the heart of everything we do.
Community engagement and impact
We believe that lasting restoration can only be achieved by working closely with the communities who know and care for Scotland’s rivers.
Alignment with national policy
Our work is guided by and contributes to Scotland’s national priorities for nature recovery and investment in natural capital.
our partners
Built on partnership
The Fund was created through a partnership bringing together NatureScot, Fisheries Management Scotland, the Marine Directorate of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), and Crown Estate Scotland.
Its development has been financially supported by the Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS), delivered by NatureScot in collaboration with The Scottish Government and in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Additional support has been provided by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the Missing Salmon Alliance, and the Golden Bottle Trust.
Partners:
With the support of:
