Speaking yesterday on the appointment of Richard Lochhead as the new Minister of Rural Affairs and Fishing, SFF Chief Executive Bertie Armstrong said:
“We published our priorities before the elections, the new Minister published his action plan and I am delighted to note that there is a strong alignment. We have all the components of a refreshed approach to what the Scottish industry does best - the sustainable harvesting of a superb range of natural resource – the seafood of Scotland.
“Principally, we look forward to a stronger representation of the Scottish industry, which by any measurement forms the backbone of UK fishing. This has not always been recognised in recent decision making both nationally and on the international stage.
“We welcome also the strong commitment to fisheries science, building further on the cooperation already in place between industry and the fisheries science community, in particular the world-class facility at the Fisheries Research Service.”
The organisation also thanked the departing Minister, Ross Finnie, for all his efforts on behalf of Scottish Fishing over the past eight years.
