Derek Leask has resigned after 11 years as MD of salmon, herring and mackerel supplier Shetland Catch.

John Goodlad, chairman of Shetland Catch, said: "Derek has not been at work due to illness since March 2006 and he has now resigned his position.

"We are grateful to Derek for his significant contribution to the company, particularly during the huge expansion of the plant in 2001. We wish him well for the future."

Assistant MD Simon Leiper has been acting as managing director during this period and the company said that its board of directors would now appoint a permanent replacement.