Minutes: 09 January 2024

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 3 and 4 in private.

2. Scottish Biodiversity Strategy (draft Delivery Plan):

The Committee took evidence from—

Dr Caroline Brown, Director of Scotland, Ireland and English Regions, Royal Town Planning Institute;

Sarah Cowie, Policy Manager, National Farmers Union Scotland;

Ailsa Raeburn, Chairperson, Community Land Scotland;

Dr Paul Walton, Head of Habitats and Species, RSPB Scotland;

Bruce Wilson, Head of Policy and Advocacy, Scottish Wildlife Trust.

Edward Mountain declared an interest as a member of a family farming partnership and as a partner of a wild salmon fishery.

3. Scottish Biodiversity Strategy (draft Delivery Plan) (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2.

4. Work programme (in private):

The Committee considered its work programme.

The Committee agreed a shortlist of themes in the Scottish Budget 2024-25 to explore further at evidence sessions later this month with the Scottish Government.

The Committee considered a draft letter to the Scottish Government requesting more information on various matters concerning Scotland’s ferries. The letter was agreed for publication. The Committee also agreed to write to Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, and delegated to the Convener responsibility for finalising the draft letter for publication.