Seòmar agus comataidhean

Members, before I suspend the meeting briefly, are you content that we consider the issues raised by the evidence we have heard this morning at a later date?

Members indicated agreement.

Thank you very much. Paul Sweeney will lead the questioning on the petition.

That is something that we can explore further, but I am trying to understand it. There is a 50 per cent reduction. I presume that the companion would still have a ticket.

They try to obtain a discount at the end of the journey in a non-participating authority area.

I think that the committee is very sympathetic to the case that you have made. We will consider the evidence afresh and decide how best to take forward the petition. Before we draw to a conclusion, is there anything further that you would like to say?

Nicoletta, do you have anything to add?

Our third evidence session is on PE1859, on retaining falconers’ rights to practise upland falconry in Scotland, which was lodged by Barry Blyther.

The petition calls on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to amend the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020 to allow mountain hares to be hunted for the purposes of falconry. We are joined by the petitioner, Barry Blyther—good morning, and welcome to our deliberations. We have managed to consider the petition from time to time along the way, and it has provoked some quite interesting discussion among committee members. We have a number of questions that we would like to put to you, but, before we get to that, I understand that you would like to say a few words to us and I invite you so to do.

Thank you. This morning’s discussion has been fascinating and compelling. As you said, you have brought a golden eagle with you today; we are looking forward to meeting Stanley.

As you said in your evidence, if Stanley were flying above Harthill station, he would apparently have to understand the precincts of it better than most motorists who go through it do.

I am keen to bring in David Torrance, who would like to ask a question.

I said that Stanley was not here to give evidence, but he is here in evidence. The absurd thing is that we are almost in a situation whereby the legislation would require us to ask Stanley if he understands the perimeters within which he is entitled to hunt, which I think illustrates the nonsensical nature of it all.

Thank you, Mr Blyther—your evidence has been incredibly helpful. The petition has identified—as I think that the committee is aware—a real issue that we will want to find a way to pursue, and we look forward to meeting you and Stanley again in a short while.

I will suspend the meeting briefly.