Scottish Fisheries Museum looks forward to future with appointment of first Managing Director

16th September 2021

The Scottish Fisheries Museum embarks on a new period of growth and development with the appointment of Ian Goodyear as the first Managing Director since the nationally recognised heritage collection and visitor attraction opened in 1969.

Previously Director of Operations and Finance at the Museum, Ian will now oversee day to day operations, fundraising and the strategic direction of the Museum, which is located on Anstruther Harbour in the East Neuk of Fife.

Announcing the appointment, Karen Seath, Chair of the Scottish Fisheries Museum Trust, says:

“The Board of Trustees and I are absolutely delighted that Ian has accepted the promotion to executive lead of the Museum. This key appointment follows an exceptionally challenging time for all and sets us up for success and the resilience required going forward.”

Ian Goodyear, Managing Director of the Scottish Fisheries Museum, adds:

“I am delighted to take up the position of Managing Director and very much looking forward to helping realise our new and ambitious three year Business Strategy.

“The new Strategy will consolidate our position as a national collection and take us closer to our vision of becoming an internationally recognised museum. It will shape how we develop our visitor experience and widen our representation of Scotland’s fishing industry, from conserving and promoting its rich past to, equally, working with industry partners to explore the challenges and opportunities of its present and future.”

Prior to joining the Scottish Fisheries Museum in 2018, Ian amassed a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry holding General and Regional Director positions across Europe and the UK for well-known brands including Forte Group Plc, Center Parcs, the University of Edinburgh and Compass Group Plc.

The Scottish Fisheries Museum tells the story of the ‘boats, fish and folk’ of Scotland’s fishing industry, an industry which has played such an important role in the country’s economic, social and cultural life for centuries.

The nationally significant collection includes over 66,000 artefacts and personal items and a fleet of 22 vessels listed on the UK’s National Register of Historic Vessels*.

The Museum recently completed a £1million conservation of the Reaper, the flagship of the fleet and the last of the great First Class Scottish Herring Luggers. A ‘Rare Survivor’ from the golden age of sail, the Reaper is also one of the few vessels in the UK’s prestigious National Historic Fleet* kept in seagoing condition.

The Museum, which is housed in historic buildings arranged around a cobblestone courtyard connected with fishing since the 14th century, also features a national art collection including works by accomplished artists such as John McGhie, John Bellany, Sam Bough, Franc Martin and Alex Watson.

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