SFF highlighted that Macdonald has guided the organization through some of the most significant events and challenges in the history of the Scottish fishing industry.
Photo: Scottish Fishermen's Federation.
The Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) announced the retirement of its Chief Executive, Elspeth Macdonald. She will retire in March 2027, after what the SFF described as "a distinguished career representing Scotland's fishing industry," the last eight years of which are going to be spent in this role.
In the announcement release, SFF President Hannah Fennell thanked McDonald for "her outstanding service and dedication," claiming that she leaves behind an organization that is highly respected and well-placed to continue championing the interests of Scotland's fishing communities.
"Elspeth has been an exceptional leader for the Scottish Fishermen's Federation and a tireless and articulate advocate for Scotland's fishermen," Fennell said. "She has guided the organisation through some of the most significant events and challenges in the history of our industry."
"Her ability to combine strategic thinking, detailed policy expertise and effective advocacy has ensured that the voice of Scottish fishermen has been heard at the highest levels of government both at home and abroad," the SFF President added.
Elspeth Macdonald took over as CEO of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation in 2019 and, as the organization highlighted, she quickly became one of the most influential and respected voices in the UK seafood industry, representing the interests of Scottish fishermen during a period of profound change and challenges.
In the seven years at the helm of SFF—it will be eight when she retires—the organization has faced major events, such as the UK's exit from the European Union, the negotiation and implementation of new fisheries management agreements, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the evolution of environmental policies and the growing pressures faced by coastal communities and the seafood supply chain.
The release highlighted that Macdonald successfully led the campaign, involving both industry and local communities, against Scottish Government plans to introduce Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) where fishing would be prohibited.
As WeAreAquaculture reported, two years ago, in June 2023, Scotland's fishermen, salmon farmers and processors united in calling on the government to abandon its policy on HPMAs. A few days later, the proposal to implement them in 10% of Scotland's seas by 2026 was shelved, and, following a public consultation which revealed "highly polarised" views, the Scottish Government finally reiterated its decision to scrap its proposal.
"It has been a tremendous privilege to serve Scotland's fishing industry and to work on behalf of the fishermen, families and communities that depend upon it," Elspeth Macdonald said for her part. "The industry has faced many challenges during my time with the Federation, but I have always been inspired by the resilience, professionalism and determination of the people who work in it."
"While there is still much work to be done before I retire, I believe the time is right to begin planning for the future and for a new chief executive to lead the organisation on to its next chapter," added the outgoing SFF CEO.
Macdonald—whom SFF highlighted as having earned widespread respect among industry leaders, politicians, regulators, and other stakeholders both in the UK and internationally, thanks to her expertise, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to Scotland's fishing industry—used the announcement to thank all the people she has worked with over the years "for their support, friendship, and commitment to ensuring a strong future for Scotland's fishing industry."
While the Scottish Fishermen's Federation will announce further details about the new appointment in due course, it has indicated that a selection process has already been initiated to identify Elspeth Macdonald's successor, and the chosen individual is expected to work alongside her to ensure a smooth transition before her departure.
