Tributes / Tributes paid to ‘passionate defender of Shetland’s fishing industry’ Josie Simpson
TRIBUTES have been paid to former chairman of Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) and political leader of Shetland Islands Council Josie Simpson, who has died aged 88.
His death was confirmed by the SFA in a social media post, saying they were “deeply saddened” by the passing of the organisation’s former chairman, who was described as a “lifelong advocate for Shetland’s fishing community”.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Hazel, his family, friends, and all who knew and worked alongside him at sea and ashore.”
Born in Whalsay in 1937, Joseph Gilbert ‘Josie’ Simpson became a successful and pioneering pelagic fisherman before turning his hand to local politics.
He was instrumental in setting Shetland’s own fish producers’ organisation in 1982 and became its first chairman.
As chairman of the SFA he played a vital role getting the Shetland regulating order over the line as well as setting up the Shetland Catch pelagic processing factory.
Former SFA chief executive John Goodlad said he has had a long and valuable professional relationship with Josie Simpson.
“He was a passionate defender of the Shetland fishing industry, whether we were talking to a European commissioner, whether we were talking a UK fishing minister and Scottish fisheries minister or the convener of the SIC, it didn’t matter,” Goodlad said.
Photo: Shetland News
“The second thing I would say is his enthusiasm for the future of the industry. It wasn’t just defending what we had, it was his enthusiasm of the potential for the future (…) and many of the projects such as the regulating order he was involved in came to fruition.”
He joined the council as the member for Whalsay and Skerries after winning a by-election in 2002, following the resignation of the late Loretta Hutchison.
Retaining his seat in the 2003 election, Josie Simpson became one of three North Isles councillors in 2007.
He then was elected chair of the council’s development committee, vice-convener and eventually, following a restructure of roles, Shetland’s first political leader.
Simpson also served on the licensing, planning, environment and transport, and education and families committees between 2007 and 2012.
Former council convener Malcolm Bell said he was “very sorry to hear” about Simpson’s passing, passing on his “deepest sympathy to his family and friends”.
“He was a strong and respected voice for Shetland and the fishing industry in particular,” Bell said.
“Although he left the council just before I was elected, he retained a keen interest and had laid strong foundations as the council’s first political leader.
“I also enjoyed working with Josie when I was police area commander. I trusted his opinion as a local councillor – always put forward firmly but respectfully – on what was right for Whalsay and the North Isles.”
Current SIC political leader Emma Macdonald added: “I was sorry to hear this news, whilst he had the left the council before I was first elected, I have heard many stories of his time as political leader and the impact he had and how well he represented his ward.
“His role within the fishing industry is often spoken about in high regard and I send my condolences to his wife Hazel and all his family and friends.”
North Isles councillor Duncan Simpson, who lives in Whalsay, said: “I extend my sincere condolences to Josie’s family and friends, many of whom I know well.
“Josie dedicated significant time and effort advocating for the fishing industry, Whalsay and Shetland as a whole over many years. The community will no doubt feel his loss.”
Ronnie Eunson, of Uradale Farm, paid tribute to Simpson’s “capacity to understand what Shetland needed for its future”.
“When he was chair of development he was a great supporter of the cooperative Shetland Livestock Marketing Group,” Eunson said.
“Without Josie’s determination to help when he saw that folk needed a mart and an abattoir to add value to their produce, the whole cooperative would have closed for good.
“He recognised that these facilities played the same role as piers and fish markets for the fishing industry.”
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