With current Chief Executive Elspeth Macdonald due to step down in March next year, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and associated companies have appointed Mairi Gougeon to step into the role.
A former Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon brings extensive experience of fisheries, marine policy, food and drink, and Scotland’s coastal and island communities.
She joins SFF on 1st October and will work alongside current Elspeth Macdonald during a transition period, before taking over in full when in March 2027.
‘I am 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. I also came to understand the complexity of the challenges the industry faces,’ Mairi Gougeon said.
‘I am very much looking forward to working with the SFF’s constituent associations, fishermen and the Federation and commercial teams, and to listening and learning as I prepare to take on the role. There will inevitably be issues on which industry and government agree and others on which they do not. My responsibility as Chief Executive is clear – to represent the interests of the SFF’s constituent associations and to make the strongest possible case for a successful, sustainable and profitable future for Scotland’s fishing industry.’
