Meet The Team
The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation's ongoing work is made possible through its core team's dedication and commitment, alongside SFF’s eight Constituent Associations across Scotland.
I was appointed as Chief Executive of both SFF and SFF Services in August 2019, following almost 30 years in the public sector. Growing up in a small fishing community on Mull in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, fishing was always part of the fabric of my daily life.
I was previously deputy Chief Executive at Food Standards Scotland, leading its work on strategy and policy, and am a science graduate of Stirling and Aberdeen universities. In my spare time, you’ll mostly find me outside – running, riding, or generally stomping around Deeside.
I am responsible for building relationships with offshore marine industries contacts with a view to promoting and marketing the range of services offered by the Company Group as well as overseeing and supporting the company’s operational activities.
In a SFF offshore liaison capacity, involved in regular dialogue/discussion with other users of the sea, government departments, environmental and other marine interests in relation to exploration, development, operational and decommissioning activities around the Scottish coasts to protect the interests of the commercial fishing industry.
I joined SFF Services Limited in 1996.
Coming from a seaside town in Tuscany, from a country surrounded by the sea, I was always fascinated by it. From enjoying it by swimming and diving, to studying it, I stepped into a career dedicated to understanding its ecology and biology, eventually evolved to include the people interacting and depending on it. After over a decade spent working at the FAO, I moved to Scotland to work with the fishermen in the place where fisheries management has no equals.
I create a range of engaging marketing materials across print, web and socials.
I am a BA (hons) graduate in Design & Craft from Gray’s School of Art at The Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. I have over 15 years’ experience as a marketing and design professional working in a variety of industries across the UK from large retailers, transport providers, exhibition venues, home builders and now use my skills to promote the Scottish fishing industry.
I have been a fisherman for 36 years and have had the privilege to work for the family business during a period of growth. I hold a Class 1 (Deck) Certificate of Competency (COC) and a Class 2 (Engineer) COC. I have been able to carry out my role for our business and for SFF with a huge amount of support from family and colleagues at SFF and SFF Services.
I descend from a long line of fishermen on both sides. My brother continues the family tradition and, although a life at sea was not for me, it has been a privilege to work in the industry since 1998.
I have a BSc in Marine Resource Management and a MSc in International Business and Finance, both from the University of Aberdeen. I am also a Fellow of the Chartered Banker Institute.
I joined the Company in 2012 after graduating with a MA and MLitt in Modern History from the University of Aberdeen. I have also completed the NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. There’s never a dull moment in the Operations Team and I enjoy the variety of challenges that come our way.
I have had the privilege of working in the fishing industry since 2022, while I have a decade of work experience in legal and policy development fields in natural resources (oil and gas and mining), particularly in Afghanistan.
I have a BSc in Law and Political Science from the Kabul University, Afghanistan and a MSc in International Studies, International Trade and Development, from the Oklahoma State University, USA, gained through the Fulbright Scholarship Programme.
My family has fishing roots dating back decades and my great-grandfather and grandfather owned fishing vessels. Following in their footsteps, I learned the skills to become a skipper, purchasing vessels which I named ‘Daisy’ and ‘Daisy 2’. I sold the vessel in 2015 and utilised my skillset to become a tugboat skipper, whilst qualifying as a marine pilot. The lure of the sea came calling again in 2019 before I accepted a role with SFF in 2023.
I am the Project and Data Coordinator of the Independent Fisheries Science Support Scheme for Marine Environmental Solutions.
After 14 years with the Scottish Government in several fisheries roles, I made the welcome transfer to MES where I oversee our team of industry observers. I have a varied and rewarding role, which allows for me to attend international conferences and also conduct own observer work.
Educated at the University of Aberdeen where I gained my BSc (Hon) in Marine Resource Management, specialising in Fisheries management.
I joined the company in 2017 as Personal Assistant (PA) to the Chief Executive Officer, I have been a PA for over 15 years, originally working in the oil and gas industry. I also support the IT and facilities issues in the office and enjoy the variety that every day brings.
I joined the organisation in 2005 from a non-fishing background, gaining a HNC in Accounting and more recently a BA (Hons) Degree in Business Management at Robert Gordon University. The qualifications and experience I have gained during my time with the organisation have allowed me to learn new skills and knowledge of the industry, which I have been able to apply across various functions of the business.
I have been involved in the fishing industry for over 35 years, gaining my Certificate of Competency Class II aged 20, and owner and skipper of vessels for over 20 years. I feel fortunate to have worked with the SFF since 2019.
Born and raised in Shetland, I grew up listening to the stories of my sea-going forefathers and the challenges that each generation had faced as they battled the North Sea. As a result, I have always been passionate about protecting fishermen, particularly against the more recent challenges the industry faces. I decided to pursue science, gaining my PhD in Mathematics in 2021. Frustrated with the “greedy fisherman” rhetoric, I was keen to understand the bigger picture of what was happening in our seas. Therefore, my PhD looked to assess the impact of other sectors on the movement and spawning of commercial fish species. I hope that my varied background, and passion for the industry will serve me well at the SFF.
Assisting with the organisation of operational activities to ensure timely completion of client specifications.
I joined SFF Services from Inverurie Academy in 2014 originally in a temporary position as Administration Assistant. Coming from a non-fishing background, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working in and learning about the industry as I have progressed through to my current role. I recently obtained a BA (Hons) degree in Business Management at Robert Gordon University.
SFF’s policy and priorities are determined by an Executive Committee, made up of members from our eight Constituent Associations.
There are currently five Working Groups that help inform the Executive’s Committee’s decision-making and set the direction for the SFF’s policy work. These reflect current priorities, which are kept under regular review.
