The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation has appointed Mairi Gougeon as its next Chief Executive, succeeding Elspeth Macdonald who retires in March 2027 after eight years leading the organisation.
Gougeon will be a familiar face to Skipper readers. As Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands from 2021 to 2026, she dealt directly with the Scottish fishing industry on gear conflict, quota policy, aquaculture regulation and coastal community issues. Earlier this year she was photographed alongside Macdonald at Holyrood when she joined 53 MSPs in signing a pledge to support Scotland’s fishing sector.
Mairi Gougeon with her SFF predecessor Elspeth Macdonald at the Scottish Skipper ExpoShe stood down from Holyrood at the 2026 Scottish Parliament election and joins the Federation on 1 October, working alongside Macdonald through a handover period before taking over in full.
SFF President Hannah Fennell said the appointment followed a thorough recruitment process. “Mairi brings an exceptional understanding of fisheries policy, government and the political and regulatory environment in which our industry operates,” she said. “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.”
Gougeon said she was looking forward to the role. “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.”
Her appointment was reviewed by the First Minister’s Independent Advisers on the Ministerial Code given her recent government role, and both she and the SFF have confirmed compliance with the conditions set.
The SFF represents more than 450 vessels across eight constituent associations covering Scotland’s whitefish, pelagic and shellfish sectors.
