MSP hails Scottish Fishermen's Federation for 50 years of service

THE work of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) over the last half century is to be lauded in the Scottish Parliament.

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam has marked the 50th anniversary of the inaugural meeting of the SFF, which took place on November 30, 1973, by lodging a member's motion at Holyrood. The motion celebrates the positive impact the SFF has had and celebrates Scotland's world-leading seafood sector.

Ms Adam said: “The Scottish Fishing Federation has played such a positive role over its 50-year history.

"From standing up for the fishing industry in the corridors of power, to promoting Scotland's first-class quality seafood at home and abroad. Vital work in promoting sustainability within the industry, working to encourage new entrants to the fishing industry and essential work in promoting safety at sea, work that has saved countless lives of fishers over the years.

"Our world-leading fishing sector and the people who go out to sea to catch our sustainable seafood that is so sought-after around the world risk so much to put that food on our plate, and for that, we owe them a debt of gratitude. We should celebrate and promote our seafood sector as the success story that it is.

"The industry has seen many challenges, tragedies, and changes over the last 50 years, but a constant has been the work of the SFF. I know from my meetings with them that the SFF stand up for the fishing industry without fear or favour.

"The debate in parliament can be a real celebration of our fishing industry and its cultural and economic benefits to local coastal communities like the ones I serve in Banffshire and Buchan Coast.

"We have a success story on our doorstep. Let's shout about it."

Ms Adam's motion reads: "That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, marking the inaugural meeting that took place on November 30, 1973; celebrates the dedication and commitment of the SFF in helping to promote what it sees as Scotland's prized and internationally renowned fishing industry; commends the work of the SFF, including its role in leading campaigns to enhance safety, which it believes have saved lives, promoting sustainability, and attracting new entrants to the industry; believes that the SFF has consistently served as a powerful and impartial voice for the Scottish fishing industry; further believes that a recent SFF poll of 1000 adults underscores that there is strong public support for protecting the industry as it faces pressures from new marine users; acknowledges what it sees as the pivotal role of the SFF, and the Scottish fishing industry as a whole, in Scotland's economy, culture, and coastal communities; celebrates this role as one of Scotland's remarkable success stories, and wishes the SFF continued success in the years to come."

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.