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It sounds like a constructive process.

Sarah, do you have anything to add?

Minister, you indicated that you wanted to come back in.

To continue that theme, I recognise that you are involved in a process of co-design of some of the aspects that you have outlined. Councillor Heddle, you have talked about things being local by default and national by agreement. Have you discussed what mechanisms would be put in place to resolve any disagreements between national and local government? Have you explored yet what you would do when there is a disagreement about the rationale for a national approach? Are those mechanisms in place?

Did you want to ask another question?

Great. I will bring in Willie Coffey.

Councillor Heddle, do you have any response to any of the questions?

Do you have anything to add, Councillor Heddle?

Thanks for underscoring the fact that it is difficult to argue against the three priorities.

Mr FitzPatrick suggested that Ellen Leaver and Sarah Watters might want to come in with a bit more detail, so I will start with Ellen. One of my challenges in facilitating the meeting is that I tend to go to the people in the room, but I am mindful about the need to go to people online. However, first I will go to Ellen, who is in the room, and then to Sarah.

I will broaden out the discussion on the topic of licensing. Good morning, minister—it has been a really engaging session so far.

Professor Newton mentioned that one reason why the Werritty group recommended licensing of grouse moors was to

“fill an important evidence gap in relation to land use in Scotland”.—[Official Report, Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, 14 June 2023; c 12.]

He said that that could be done by requiring annual information to be returned on the number of animals killed of all species.

Alex Hogg said that the Scottish Gamekeepers Association would agree with that, and Ross Ewing from Scottish Land & Estates said that such information is already being collected, although it is not reported. I am interested in whether the Government will introduce such a requirement or recommend that NatureScot does so.

I would be interested in hearing whether the minister agrees with Scottish Government officials that the proposed grouse moor licensing system is compliant with the European convention on human rights. What is your response to stakeholders who claim that it is not?