For the last four years of service, he was chairman of the organisation. During this time, Rob was instrumental in the reorganisation of NEFTA, which mirrored the changes in the fleet due to decommissioning. Rob was also heavily involved in working with a variety of other agencies to ensure that fisheries training continued at Banff and Buchan College in Fraserburgh, when it seemed certain the facility would close.

As well as being chairman of NEFTA, Rob spent much of his time with the organisation working directly with trainee fishermen, and at the age of 65, he completed his assessor qualification. He additionally attended numerous careers events and school visits, prompting the Fishing as a Career Choice.

NEFTA training manager, Moyra Patience said: “Rob is so knowledgeable about the fishing industry. He is infectious with his enthusiasm for the career, which he loved, and I am certain he has inspired a great many young men from all over the North East of Scotland to pursue a career in fishing.”

At a celebration lunch, Rob was presented with a gift from the board of NEFTA in recognition of his service to the organisation. The lunch was attended by representatives from the Scottish White Fish Producers Association. The Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association, Seafish, The RNLI and Banff and Buchan College.

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