Cooke boosts Scottish team with PR professional

COOKE Aquaculture Scotland, which farms mainly in Shetland and Orkney, has appointed a new public relations and communications manager.

Andrew Watson, a PR professional with experience in the private sector, government, military, and educational institutions, most recently served as head of communications for Lowland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, an agency of the Ministry of Defence.

Colin Blair, managing director of Cooke Aquaculture Scotland, said: ‘We are excited to welcome Andrew to the Cooke Aquaculture Scotland team.

‘He brings an impressive and diverse set of skills, and a strong ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders that will be beneficial to our family owned company and the Scottish salmon farming industry.’

Watson studied at the University of Edinburgh and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. He is also a competitive sailor and holds a commercial skipper’s qualification.

He enjoys being on the water and has volunteered with World Sailing, Ocean Youth Trust, and the Royal Yachting Association Scotland.

He said: ‘I’m thrilled to join Cooke during a time of such growth for the industry. I look forward to bringing my past experience and education to the table to help further strengthen engagement and communications for such a reputable, family owned company.’

Cooke employs 350 people in Scotland and will soon open its Invergordon feed outlet, Northeast Nutrition Scotland, which it acquired from Skretting last year.