Tavish Scott, chief executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO), said: “The Scottish salmon sector looks forward to working with Ms Gougeon. The Scottish Government has been hugely supportive of fish farming in our commitments to be net zero in greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and to lead the Covid-19 recovery as Scotland’s largest food export.
“We are delighted that Ms Gougeon has been appointed to the Cabinet with responsibility for aquaculture and rural issues and the Islands.
“I will be asking for an early meeting with Ms Gougeon so we can start work on the SNP’s welcome manifesto commitment to regulatory reform and the myriad of other pressing issues affecting our members.
“It is particularly important that this manifesto commitment is in the 100 days plan that the First Minister has already announced and I look forward to working with our new Cabinet Secretary on that important change agenda.”
Scott also paid tribute to departing Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing. He said, “The fish farming sector has had a productive, thoughtful and positive relationship with Fergus over five years.
“We greatly valued his can-do attitude and will miss his drive and enthusiasm. Our entire sector wishes Fergus best wishes for the future.”
