The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and its commercial companies have appointed Mairi Gougeon as their new Chief Executive-designate.
Ms Gougeon will join the Federation on 1st October and work alongside current Chief Executive Elspeth Macdonald for a transition period before taking over in full when Ms Macdonald retires in March 2027.
A former Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Ms Gougeon brings extensive experience of fisheries, marine policy, food and drink and Scotland’s coastal and island communities to the role.
Her appointment follows a recruitment process launched earlier this year after Ms Macdonald announced her intention to retire following eight years at the helm of the Federation.
SFF President Hannah Fennell said: “We are delighted to appoint Mairi as our next Chief Executive.
“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.”
Mairi Gougeon said: “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 – not only to our economy and food production, but to the communities, families and businesses which depend upon it.
“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.
“I am very much looking forward to working with 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 will be clear: to represent the interests of SFF’s constituent associations and to make the strongest possible case for a successful, sustainable and profitable future for Scotland’s fishing industry.”
Elspeth Macdonald said: “I am very pleased to welcome Mairi to the Federation and look forward to working closely with her over the coming months.
“There is a great deal for us to work on during the transition period, and Mairi’s extensive knowledge and experience will allow her to hit the ground running.
“Leading SFF has been an enormous privilege. I know from experience just how important it is that Scotland’s fishermen have a strong, credible and independent voice, and I look forward to helping Mairi prepare to take that work forward.”
Ms Gougeon will formally become Chief Executive following Ms Macdonald’s retirement in March 2027.
Ms Gougeon’s appointment was considered by the First Minister’s Independent Advisers on the Ministerial Code. They 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.
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.