Marine / Federation elects female team to lead on fishing
SHETLAND’s Sheila Keith has been appointed as vice-president of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF), the body representing the interests of Scottish fishermen.
Keith is currently an executive officer at the Shetland Fishermen’s Association.
Meanwhile Orkney Fisheries Association’s Hannah Fennell has been given the role of president of the SFF, replacing Ian Gatt who stood down after his second spell in the role.
Both were elected at the organisation’s recent annual general meeting, held in Orkney.
Keith and Fennell both said they were delighted at being appointed to their new roles.
Fennell said: “This appointment represents a tremendous responsibility, and I am humbled by the trust and confidence that the members of the SFF have placed in me.
“As president, I am committed to continuing the good work of the SFF, advocating tirelessly for the interests of our fishing industry and coastal communities.
The new vice president Keith added: “Many challenges lie ahead for an industry that deserves more recognition for the hard work that goes into putting healthy and climate-friendly food on our tables.
“I look forward to working with the SFF staff and members to ensure the issues confronted the industry are dealt with to help build a viable and sustainable future for the Scottish fleet.”
SFF chief executive Elspeth Macdonald said: “As well as recognising Ian Gatt for his unstinting service, not only since 2016 but during his first spell in the role between 2007 and 2010, I would like to thank him for the invaluable help and support he has provided to me since I was appointed as CEO back in 2019.”
Gatt added: “It’s been a real delight to serve a fantastic industry that works so hard in a difficult environment, fishing sustainably to put high quality, low carbon, healthy seafood produce on the tables of UK consumers and consumers across the globe.
“I look forward to continuing to support the work of the federation on the executive committee as an SPFA representative.
“I wish Hannah and Sheila well in their new task of leading the federation work in dealing with the many issues that our industry faces.”
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