Tributes were paid to Alex Wiseman at a recent board meeting of the SPFA as he stepped down after fifteen years as its chairman, ensuring that the voice of Scottish pelagic catching sector remains heard at every level of government.
Stepping into the chairman’s role is Richard Williamson, co-skipper of the Shetland pelagic vessel Research, who has already served as SPFA’s vice-chair. The new vice-chair is Alexander (Ally) West from Fraserburgh.
‘Alex has been a superb chair and everyone in the Association would like to thank him for excellent work in looking after the interests of our sector for so many years,’ said incoming chair Richard Williamson, paying tribute to his predecessor.
‘I’m honoured to have been elected as the new chair and will work hard to ensure that the interests of the Scottish pelagic industry are well-represented and protected. Our sector provides a sustainable, nutritious and low-carbon food resource, which plays an important role in ensuring national food security and economic benefit to Scotland and the UK.’
‘I’m delighted to have been elected as vice-chair and look forward to working with industry, government and other stakeholders in ensuring that the voice of the Scottish pelagic sector is heard and that our important role in supplying a sustainable food resource is properly recognised,’ commented new vice-chair Ally West, who co-skippers Fraserburgh pelagic trawler Resolute.
‘Alex was a fantastic chair and I would like to thank him for his excellent work over the years,’ said SPFA chief executive Ian Gatt.
‘He’s highly respected within the industry and at government level and has been a strong advocate of the pelagic sector. I am delighted that Richard and Ally have become the new chair and vice-chair, and I am confident that their experience and knowledge will benefit the Association immensely.’
