Former cabinet secretary appointed to lead Scottish fishing industry
Photo: Hans J Marter/Shetland News
FORMER cabinet secretary for rural affairs, land reform and the islands, Mairi Gougeon, is to become the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation’s (SFF) next chief executive.
The former MSP for Angus North and Mearns will join the SFF on 1 October and will work alongside current chief executive Elspeth Macdonald for a transition period before taking over in full when Macdonald retires in March 2027.
The appointment has been welcomed by Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA), one of the key members of the SFF.
Executive officer Sheila Keith said: “Mairi’s deep understanding of Scotland’s coastal and island communities, and her experience across fisheries and marine policy, will be invaluable as our industry navigates both opportunity and challenge in the years ahead.”
Keith has met the new chief executive on many occasions during her five-year tenure as the cabinet secretary for rural affairs, a brief which includes fishing.
Keith added: “For Shetland, fishing is not only an economic cornerstone but a cultural one, sustaining families, skills and traditions that have shaped our islands for generations.
“We look forward to working with Mairi to ensure that the knowledge and lived experience of fishermen continues to inform national decision-making, and that the sector is supported to remain sustainable, resilient and competitive.
“We also extend our sincere thanks to Elspeth Macdonald for her dedicated leadership and her commitment to ensuring a strong, credible voice for Scotland’s fishermen. We wish her well as she prepares for her retirement in 2027.”
SFF president Hannah Fennell said leading the organisation was an “enormously important role for Scotland’s fishing industry”.
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“Mairi brings an exceptional understanding of fisheries policy, government and the political and regulatory environment in which our industry operates,” Fennell said.
“Just as importantly, she understands the economic and social importance of fishing to communities around Scotland’s coastline.
“Fishing faces some major opportunities and challenges in the years ahead. We need a strong and persuasive voice making the case for an industry which produces sustainable, nutritious food, supports thousands of jobs and remains fundamental to the future of many of Scotland’s coastal and island communities.”
The First Minister’s Independent Advisers on the Ministerial Code have provided advice on the appointment and have confirmed that it complies with conditions set by the advisers.
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