Douglas Gilbert

Mini Bio

My first job was as a summer warden at Hermaness National Nature in Shetland; how cool is that! I spent the next 35 years in conservation roles in the Scottish Highlands, Northumberland, The Peak District, and the Hebrides.

I’m interested in all things natural history, including our human relationships to nature. I am a canoeist, sea kayaker, biker, and standing stone enthusiast. I’m also fascinated by place names – where they come from and what stories they tell?! Tha beagan Gàidhlig agam, ach tha mi ga ionnsachadh fhathast!

Favourite Place to Play

North Uist – a bird-watchers paradise. Plus, I’m a beach bum at heart.

Not a lot of People Know This

A distant relative of mine was a Jacobite engraver who made the copperplate originals for Bonnie Prince Charlie’s banknotes. The plates were chucked in a ditch in 1746 in the aftermath of defeat at Culloden but were found and can be seen in the museum at Fort William today!