After 15 years of dedicated service, Alex Wiseman has retired as Chair of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA). Former Vice-chair Richard Williamson has been elected as the new Chair, while Alexander West becomes the new Vice-chair.
Tributes were paid to Wiseman at a recent SPFA board meeting, recognising his leadership of the association was delivered with real commitment, this ensuring the voice of Scottish pelagic catching sector was heard at all levels of government.
New chair Williamson, who is the co-skipper of the Shetland vessel Research, said: “Alex has been a superb chair and everyone in the association would like to thank him for excellent work in looking after the interests of our sector for so many years.
“I am honoured to have been elected as the new chair and will work hard to ensure that the interests of the Scottish pelagic industry are well-represented and protected. Our sector provides a sustainable, nutritious and low-carbon food resource, which plays an important role in ensuring national food security and economic benefit to Scotland and the UK.”
West, who is co-skipper of Fraserburgh-based Resolute, said: “I am delighted to have been elected as vice-chair and look forward to working with industry, government and other stakeholders in ensuring that the voice of the Scottish pelagic sector is heard and that our important role in supplying a sustainable food resource is properly recognised.”
SPFA Chief Executive Ian Gatt commented: “Alex was a fantastic chair and I would like to thank him for his excellent work over the years. He is highly respected within the industry and at government level and has been a strong advocate of the pelagic sector. I am delighted that Richard and Ally have become the new chair and vice-chair, and I am confident that their experience and knowledge will benefit the Association immensely going forward.”
