Former Scottish rural secretary appointed as lead role in Scotland's fishing sector

Former Scottish rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon has been appointed to a key role in the country’s fishing sector. | SFF

Scotland’s former rural affairs secretary has been appointed to a key role in the country’s fishing sector.

Mairi Gougeon, who stepped from down from Holyrood at May’s election, is to be the next chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF).

The former SNP politician will join the SFF at the start of October, and work alongside current chief executive Elspeth Macdonald, before taking over from her when she retires in March next year.

The SFF president Hannah Fennell said they are “delighted” that Ms Gougeon is joining the organisation.

Ms Fennell said: “This is an enormously important role for Scotland’s fishing industry and we conducted a thorough recruitment process to find someone with the experience, ability and determination to represent our members effectively.

“Mairi brings an exceptional understanding of fisheries policy, government and the political and regulatory environment in which our industry operates.

“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.

“We believe Mairi is extremely well placed to provide that leadership.”

Ms Gougeon, meanwhile, said she was “delighted to have been appointed chief executive-designate of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation”.

“Throughout my time in government, I saw at first hand the importance of Scotland’s fishing industry – not only to our economy and food production, but to the communities, families and businesses which depend upon it,” she said.

“I also came to understand the complexity of the challenges the industry faces and the importance of ensuring that the experience and knowledge of fishermen themselves are properly understood when decisions affecting their livelihoods are made.”

The former MSP for Angus North and Mearns has previously called on the government to consider the needs of the fishing industry when promoting offshore wind farms.

The SFF said commercial fishing fleets are facing a “spatial squeeze" due to the rapid expansion of offshore wind farms and marine protected areas around Scotland.

Addressing the Scottish Parliament last year, Ms Gougeon said Scotland’s fishing sector understands “better than anyone the importance of safeguarding our seas for future generations.”

She added: “Their dedication, expertise, and innovation is pivotal in delivering sustainable fishing and a healthy marine environment both now and into the future.”

Ms Gougeon’s appointment was considered by the First Minister’s Independent Advisers on the Ministerial Code, who have provided their advice on the appointment, and both Ms Gougeon and SFF have confirmed they will comply with the conditions set by the Advisers.

The SFF promotes and protects the interests of its constituent associations, which represent all of Scotland’s principal commercial fisheries, including the whitefish, pelagic and shellfish sectors. The organisation has eight constituent associations representing more than 450 vessels: Anglo-Scottish Fishermen’s Association; Fife Fishermen’s Association; Fishing Vessel Agents & Owners (Scotland) Limited; Mallaig and North West Fishermen’s Association; Orkney Fisheries Association; Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association Limited; Scottish White Fish Producers’ Association; and Shetland Fishermen’s Association.