Orkney Fisheries Association head Hannah Fennell takes over as President of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation from Ian Gatt, who has stood down after his second spell in the role. Shetland Fishermen’s Association executive officer Sheila Keith is the new vice-president.
‘I am incredibly pleased and deeply honoured to have been elected as the president of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation. 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,’ Hannah Fennell said, following the election at the recent SFF annual general meeting, held in Orkney.
‘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. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of our hardworking fishermen.’
‘I am delighted to serve as the vice-president of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and thank my predecessors for their hard work to date,’ Sheila Keith said.
‘Many challenges lie ahead for an industry that deserves more recognition for the hard work that goes into to 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 has welcomed the new president and vice-president into their roles.
‘I look forward to working with them as we represent our members’ interests and promote this great industry,’ she said, and recognising the role played by Ian Gatt during his two spells as SFF president.
‘It’s been an honour and privilege to serve during two terms as SFF president for 10 of the 50 years that the federation has been in existence. I’ve been very fortunate to work with two hardworking and dedicated chief executives in Bertie Armstrong and Elspeth Macdonald. I’ve also been fortunate to work with many great industry colleagues, government officials and ministers during my 10 years. There have been many challenges to overcome but there have also been opportunities, and it’s clear that this is industry has shown great resilience over the decades,’ Ian Gatt said.
‘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.’
