New chair and vice-chair of Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association

Alex Wiseman has retired as chair of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA) after 15 years of dedicated service, with former vice-chair Richard Williamson elected as the new chair and Alexander (Ally) West becoming the new vice-chair.

Tributes were paid to Alex Wiseman at a recent board meeting of the SPFA, who has led the Association with real commitment for a considerable period, ensuring that the voice of Scottish pelagic catching sector was heard at all levels of government.

The new chair, Richard 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.”

New vice-chair Ally West, who is co-skipper of the 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.”

Ian Gatt, chief executive of the SPFA, said: “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.”