SALMON SCOTLAND COMMENT ON MAIRI GOUGEON STEPPING DOWN FROM HOLYROOD

Salmon Scotland comment on Mairi Gougeon stepping down from Holyrood. Comment from Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, on reports that Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary, Mairi Gougeon, will step down as an MSP at the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

Salmon Scotland is the trade body for the UK’s biggest food export, supporting 12,500 jobs in Scotland and generating £760 million for the local economy.

Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said:

“Scotland’s salmon sector wishes Mairi Gougeon all our best wishes for her future career. She has been a friend to people across the sector and has always made the positive case for salmon to Scotland.

“We have valued her commitment and professionalism and look forward to continuing to work with her during the remaining months in this parliamentary session.”

The Courier reports that Mairi Gougeon will not stand for re-election to her Angus North and Mearns constituency. Source.

Ms Gougeon was elected to the Scottish parliament in May 2016 and and has served as Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands since 2021.

Scottish salmon is the country’s most popular fish and the UK’s biggest and most valuable food export, with international sales of more than £800 million to nearly 50 countries annually.

The salmon sector adds more than £760 million to the UK economy every year. At the same time, it spends £370 million, supporting 3,600 suppliers across Scotland. More than 2,500 people are directly employed in salmon farming throughout the country, with 10,000 jobs dependent on the sector. Production around the west coast, highlands and islands of Scotland provides around 850 million healthy, nutritious meals every year.

Salmon Scotland represents the Scottish salmon sector. We are a source of trusted information and represent our members’ interests in Scotland, across the UK, and internationally. More information: www.salmonscotland.co.uk.