‘Our memories could not be fonder’ – fishing community mourns Leslie Tait

SHETLAND’S fishing community is mourning the loss of “one of its greatest leaders” after the death of Leslie Tait MBE.

Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) said that the 74-year old’s life had been one of “utmost dedication to the industry”.

Tait not only spent time at sea, but also represented local fishermen and also trained the next generation through Shetland NAFC marine centre.

The SFA said he was regarded as “one of the most talented fishermen of his generation”, with more than three decades of fishing experience.

He was also a long-serving chairman of the SFA, and held office within the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, the Shetland Fish Producers’ Organisation, the Shetland Fishermen’s Trust and the Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation during his lifetime.

Tait remained honorary president of the SFA following his retirement, which the association said was “testament to his immense contribution”.

“Whilst representing Shetland fishermen in the corridors of power – be it in complicated industry summits, or difficult end of year quota negotiations – Leslie was famous for his skill in deploying his hard-earned ‘midder wit’ with diplomatic deftness, to cut through the noise and gently force common sense back on to the agenda at every turn,” the SFA said.

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Leslie Tait.

Leslie Tait.

“His abilities and achievements were outshone only by his humility.

“Leslie characteristically considered his MBE – awarded to him in 2016 for services to the fishing industry – not as something for himself, but as an honour for all Shetland fishermen, past and present, who had helped to sustain our community.”

It said that his “lasting legacy” would be the large number of young fishermen who he had helped to personally train through the NAFC marine centre, now UHI Shetland.

“Everyone involved with Shetland Fishermen’s Association, the Shetland Fish Producers’ Organisation, and the Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation would like to extend their sincere sympathy to Leslie’s family and to all those who knew him and worked alongside him,” the SFA said.

“Our regard for him could not be higher, and our memories of him could not be fonder.”