Shetland’s fishing industry is mourning the death of one of its most respected figures, Leslie Tait MBE, who has died at the age of 74.
Leslie spent his working life dedicated to the fishing industry — first as a fisherman at sea, then as a representative for local fishermen, and later as a trainer for the next generation through Shetland’s NAFC Marine Centre.
With more than 30 years’ experience at sea, he was regarded as one of the most skilled fishermen of his generation. He served for many years as chair of the Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA), and also held positions with the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, the Shetland Fish Producers’ Organisation, the Shetland Fishermen’s Trust, and the Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation.
Leslie Tait MBE
Following his retirement, he continued as Honorary President of the SFA, remaining a source of guidance and support for the industry in recent years.
He was awarded an MBE in 2016 for services to the fishing industry — an honour he saw not as personal recognition, but as a tribute to all Shetland fishermen, past and present.
Paying tribute, the Shetland Fishermen’s Association said Leslie was known for representing local fishermen in difficult settings, from major industry summits to tense end-of-year quota negotiations, where he used his “midder wit” — a term for his hard-earned, homespun common sense — with diplomatic skill to cut through disagreement and refocus talks on practical solutions.
The SFA also highlighted his role training young fishermen at the NAFC Marine Centre, now known as UHI Shetland, describing the many fishermen he mentored there as part of his lasting legacy.
In a joint statement, the Shetland Fishermen’s Association, the Shetland Fish Producers’ Organisation, and the Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation extended their sympathy to Leslie’s family and to all who knew and worked with him.
“Our regard for him could not be higher, and our memories of him could not be fonder,” the organisations said.
