Mairi Gougeon takes role of Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands.
The salmon farming industry suppporter and Highland MSP Fergus Ewing has been sent to the back benches after SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon announced changes to top team on Wednesday.
The role of Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, which is responsible for with responsibility for aquaculture and rural issues and the Islands, has gone to 36-year-old Mairi Gougeon. Gougeon was the former Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment
The veteran SNP politican Ewing has long championed the industry often saying that “salmon farming plays a vital role in many remote rural communities” in Scotland.
In a statement, SSPO CEO Tavish Scott paid tribute to Ewing saying that “the fish farming sector has had a productive, thoughtful and positive relationship with Fergus over five years”.
The industry body also welcomed Mairi Gougeon to the role. “I will be asking for an early meeting with Ms Gougeon so we can start work on the SNP’s welcome manifesto commitment to regulatory reform and the myriad of other pressing issues affecting our members,” said Scott.
