ALEXA KERSHAW
An experienced researcher, campaigner, and wildlife guide, Alexa has worked on a wide variety of marine mammal research projects worldwide and has led whale-watching tours in Scotland, Iceland, Norway, South Africa and Greenland.

ANDREW MELVILLE
A chartered accountant for over 30 years at Ernst & Young, specialising in audit and accountancy. Andrew is HWDT’s Treasurer, since 2018. Andrew is treasurer for two other charities and independent examiner to two small charities. 

PROFESSOR DENIS MOLLISON
An Emeritus Professor of Applied Probability at Heriot-Watt University, Denis’s research interests are in ecological population dynamics, and wave energy. Chair of HWDT from 2013 to 2018, Denis is also a co-founder of the John Muir Trust and Council Member of the National Trust for Scotland.

EDD HEWETT  
A professional Skipper since 2009 with many tens of thousands of miles on the water conducting cetacean research around the world. Edd is chair of the Boat Committee and always happy to help ensure HWDT’s boat-based surveys continue to run smoothly. 

HELEN STACE
Helen is a lifelong conservationist having worked for 40 years for Scottish and English statutory conservation agencies and charities.  As a former CEO of a Wildlife Trust and with over 30 years as a charity Trustee, Helen brings a clear understanding of charity management, funding and governance. 

DR JONATHAN GORDON
An experienced marine mammal scientist since the 1980’s, much of Jonathan’s research has focused on the behaviour of sperm whales and developing acoustic methods for studying the abundance of cetaceans. Jonathan is Chair of the Science Committee, supporting our surveys on Silurian. 

DR JAY BUTLER  
As a business leader, renewable energy specialist and experienced environmental scientist, Jay brings a progressive and varied portfolio to the board. Jay has been Chair of HWDT since 2018 and is a wholly committed and passionate champion of the charity with a deep affection for the Hebrides.  

LEANNE BLAIR
A chemistry teacher at Tobermory High School, a volunteer for HWDT for many years, and a member of the local lifeboat crew, Leanne supports our education projects on land and sea.   

DR PETER EVANS
Peter has worked on cetacean research for 40 years and oversees the UK national cetacean monitoring scheme. Peter established the Sea Watch Foundation in 1991 and is the Charity’s Director and Honorary Professor at the School of Ocean Sciences, University of Bangor.

PHILIP CHEEK
Phil has probably spent more time observing cetaceans from the deck of Silurian than any other volunteer. In addition to his passion for the Hebrides and its wildlife, as Chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee, Philip brings expertise in marketing and in HR.

SHARON GILBURD 
Sharon has extensive knowledge of charity governance, strategy and fundraising and is currently Co-Chair of the National Theatre of Wales and Trustee of Shetland Women’s Aid. Raised in Shetland, she has a great affinity with island communities and the valuable role they play in marine conservation.

TOM WALMSLEY 
Always available to support education and media activities at the Trust and out on the water. Tom is a freelance Environmental Educator in Bristol with experience and contacts as an underwater wildlife film maker.