Alan Coghill, the Secretary of the Orkney Fisheries Association (OFA), has been elected as the new President of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation.

Mr Coghill was elected by members of the SFF’s Executive Committee at a meeting in Lerwick, Shetland today (24 June). He has been Secretary of the OFA for the last 15 years and has played a key role in representing the interests of fishermen in Orkney and the rest of Scotland.

Mr Coghill said: “I’m delighted to have been elected as President of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and pledge to do everything in my power to ensure that all sectors of our important industry gets a fair deal in this increasingly difficult time for fishing.

“There are many challenges ahead, including threats from Iceland and the Faroes to increase their mackerel quotas, and the continuing difficulties for the whitefish and prawn sectors in terms of effort control and other restrictions. These are all issues that must be resolved to ensure that fishing has a sustainable and profitable future.”

Mr Coghill replaces Ian Gatt, who decided to step down from the post following his recent appointment as Chief Executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association.

Bertie Armstrong, Chief Executive of the SFF, said: “Alan has proved an excellent representative for the fishing industry and his appointment as President will ensure that the interests of all fishermen will continue to be well served.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Ian Gatt who has been a superb President for the Federation and who has won plaudits from throughout the industry for his hard work in promoting its interests.

“Ian was always acutely aware of the importance of serving the needs of every sector of the industry and this was much appreciated by all fishermen.”

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