New Appointments At SFF And SPFA

He will replace Derek Duthie, who is moving to the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation to become its new director of administration & finance.

Mr Gatt, who has been president of the SFF for the last three years, will step down as Federation president at the next executive committee meeting in June.

Bertie Armstrong, SFF chief executive said: “Ian has been a superb ambassador for the Federation who has won plaudits from throughout the industry for his hard work in promoting its interests.

“In his role as president, he has always been acutely aware of the importance of serving the needs of all parts of the catching sector and ensuring that the representation he provided was fair and equitable. We will be sorry to see him go but are glad that his talents will now benefit the pelagic sector, as well as the work of the Federation as a whole.”

Ian Gatt said: “It has been an absolute privilege to have worked as president of the SFF, but after three years in the post I felt the time was right for a new challenge. A strong consideration in taking this new post is the ability to continue in the Federation family and still contribute towards its essential work.”

Alex Wiseman, chairman of the SPFA said he was delighted to welcome Ian Gatt to the Association and praised the ‘massive contribution’ that Derek Duthie had played in representing the interests of the pelagic sector.

“Derek has made an outstanding contribution to our sector, with his eye for detail and knowledge of the industry ensuring the best possible representation for our sector. His contribution in ensuring the independent certification of Scottish herring and mackerel fisheries to the flagship Marine Stewardship Council standard was truly outstanding.”

Derek Duthie said: “It has been a huge honour to have represented the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association. I am now looking forward to my new role at the SFF and help in its valuable work of promoting the interests of fishermen from all sectors of the industry.”