Salmon Scotland appoints new communications head
Farmed salmon trade body Salmon Scotland, formerly the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, has announced a new head of communications and partnerships.
Andrew Watson will join in the spring from Orkney and Shetland salmon farmer Cooke Aquaculture Scotland, where he heads up the company’s UK communications.
Watson is an experienced public relations and government affairs practitioner who has held senior communications roles at the Ministry of Defence, University of West of Scotland, Skills Development Scotland, ScottishPower and the Federation of Small Businesses over the past 15 years.
He will work alongside strategic engagement director Hamish Madonnell.
Extensive understanding
Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott said: “Andrew joins us with an extensive understanding of the farm-raised salmon industry and will give a voice to our farmers both at home and abroad.”
He added: “As the Scottish, UK and global economies emerge from the shadow of Covid-19 there’s a major opportunity to grow the production of Scottish salmon in an environmentally sustainable way; to create much-needed new jobs; and to share the financial benefits of growth with the rural and island communities where we work.
“We’re looking forward to working with Andrew to drive our communications strategy forward.”
Watson said: “Scottish salmon is Scotland’s superfood. It’s our largest food export, has a low carbon footprint and sustains more than 12,000 direct and indirect jobs across Scotland, many in fragile coastal communities.
“Salmon Scotland and its member companies are at the forefront of the blue economy, and sustainable development in aquaculture will power economic growth in Scotland for years to come.”
