Seòmar agus comataidhean

Thank you, convener. With a belt-and-braces approach, I note that I am convener of the cross-party group on animal welfare.

Yes, because that figure is for dogs that died at the track—they either were put down at the track or died otherwise. What about dogs that are not suitable for retirement?

It has been a very interesting session. As the witnesses know, collectively, we have faced a perfect storm with Brexit, Covid, the Ukraine war, climate change and food inflation at about 18 per cent. However, I am going to cheer you up. Out of adversity comes opportunity, and there is a big opportunity across the sector to drive consumers towards more seasonal local produce. I heard what was said about the supermarkets—I understand why you might be cagey about them—but supermarkets are key. Consumers can have an influence, but supermarkets are very clever at influencing consumers. What should we ask the supermarkets to do? Are you going to be frank about it?

I am asking about the outcome. It is an interesting day, but do people take up careers in agriculture and horticulture as a result? I am interested in seeing what impact it has.

If it has been going all that time, we must have some uptake already. Your daughter is now 24.

Am I correct in saying that not all greyhounds are suitable for retirement, because they have not been socialised and so on, no matter what you try to do? You did not answer the question about how many dogs are put down and for what reasons in a period of a year—last year, let us say.

Yes—I have more recent correspondence, but the committee has not seen it.

I want to pick up on what Kate Rowell said about local employment. I think that it was NFU Scotland that ran an event at Border Union Showground last year. All the local schools came and they had big fancy tractors and sheep shearing. It was to get local children interested in the farming sector more broadly. Borders College also had a stall. Did you know about that? I do not know why you would not know. Would it be worth going back to the NFUS, which I think was promoting it, to ask what the outcome was, and also whether the college had any feedback from the event? It was a good day.

Have we seen a copy of that form?

This will be short. The first question is to Mr Brignal. Has there been an increase in usage at your track since the closure of all the licensed tracks in Scotland?