We were deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of Jim Twaddle, a long-standing and highly respected figure within Scotland’s angling and fisheries community.
Jim was a very active member within the Scottish Anglers National Association (SANA), holding a number of appointments over many years before being elected to the role of president in February 2022, a position he held until he passed. This role as president also saw him take on a directorship of Angling Scotland. Jim will be best remembered for the significant role he played on SANA’s Non-migratory Species Committee, both as a member and chair over many years. Jim was a fierce advocate for clean water and rivers. His commitment to protecting all native migratory and non-migratory species went beyond policy or meetings—it was rooted in a deep understanding of rivers, habitats, and the pressures facing wild fish.
Jim was also a lifelong, passionate, and active game angler, contributing not only through his own fishing but also through his willingness to share knowledge, support initiatives, and stand up for the long-term health of Scotland’s waters. He understood that conservation and angling are inseparable, and he worked consistently to ensure that both could thrive together.
Those who worked alongside Jim will remember him for his quiet determination, his reliability, and his belief that meaningful change comes from steady, informed effort rather than noise. He was generous with his time, thoughtful in discussion, and deeply committed to protecting the sport and the environment he cared for.
Jim’s passing will be deeply felt by all those who knew him and will be a huge loss to the angling and conservation community. His contribution to non-migratory fish protection, to SANA’s work, and to Scottish game fishing more broadly will not be forgotten.
Our thoughts are with Jim’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working with him.
He leaves behind healthier conversations, stronger advocacy, and a lasting mark on the waters, species, and sport he cared for.
