Former Shetland MSP Tavish Scott appointed chief executive of salmon producers trade body

Former MSP and Scottish Government minister Tavish Scott has been appointed chief executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO).

The former Liberal Democrat leader represented Shetland for 20 years, from 1999 until he left Holyrood last year, gaining a wealth of experience in the farmed salmon sector.

Shetland is one of the sector’s strongest and most vibrant farming locations and Scott was a vocal champion for salmon farming during his time as an MSP.

Scott said he was delighted to be taking on such an important role at a key time for the sector.

“Scottish salmon is the UK’s biggest food export. Its value to the economy is immense and it has the ability to help lead Scotland out of the COVID crisis, building on its sustainable foundations and driving a green recovery.”

Atholl Duncan, chairman of the SSPO, said: “We are delighted to have secured someone as knowledgeable and experienced as Tavish to help lead our sector.

“His passion for salmon farming and his deep roots in our salmon communities are well known.

“There is a great opportunity right now for the Scottish salmon sector to thrive and to create more jobs and prosperity in our rural and island communities.

“Tavish has the skills to help us all to realise this potential for the greater good of Scotland.”

Scott joins the SSPO from Scottish Rugby, where he was head of external affairs, and will take up his new role in November.

He succeeds Julie Hesketh-Laird who has joined Food Standards Scotland.