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Prioritisation was given to local energy production in the light of the cost of living crisis and things like that.

My initial reaction is to say that that is certainly something to be done at local authority level. Local authorities are best placed to respond to their own lists.

Interestingly, I note that, in your report, you say that lists might not be accurate because some people on them might have got allotments, moved or whatever, so there would be a bit of work for local authorities to do to ensure the accuracy of the waiting lists. A mapping exercise on the amount of land that is needed, if it were to be done, should certainly be done at the local level.

Thank you.

As I said, the late stage of the stage 3 amendments—

It is the reality, convener—

Convener, you have previously stopped me from talking when I have tried to answer the question that has been posed, so I will not address the first part of Mr Ewing’s question again, but I can say that I am always open to considering the impact of legislation.

Secondly, the decision to protect the mountain hare is based on evidence of a risk to their conservation status. I can hear Mr Ewing asking himself what impact falconry has on that conservation status and would respond to that by saying that lawmakers must make decisions that are consistent across the piece. This is a question for us all: why would it be justifiable to make an exception to species protection for sporting purposes if we were to have a different treatment for those who need to control a species on a grouse moor or a similar place? I must respond to threats to conservation status during a nature emergency but I must also be mindful to take decisions that are consistent across the piece for all those who seek to hunt in the countryside.

I think that it would be a highly unusual activity for any law officer in Scotland to issue guidance saying that a criminal offence was not going to be prosecuted.

It is about the protection of the mountain hare, not the licensing scheme itself. The licensing scheme is an example of how, despite the ban, falconers who operate with golden eagles still have the opportunity to take mountain hares.

If Stan Whitaker is telling us that that is the case, it is the case. Let us be realistic: that reflects—

I will add to that by reiterating Hugh’s earlier comments about the best way to manage the situation is about understanding the density of the protected species and operating in areas where you are least likely to encounter them.