Jim Fairlie
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“The Scottish Government recognises the challenges that certain plant and animal species pose to agricultural businesses and is supporting farmers to manage those impacts.”
“Will the Government also commit to implementing a more pragmatic licence application scheme for the removal of species where the impact on business and other conservation species or habitats is clear? Jim Fairlie: As Amanda Lindsay points out, there is a management scheme.”
“The Scottish Government remains committed to that work. Indeed, in September, in the Scottish Parliament, I hosted and chaired a constructive round-table discussion on alternative farrowing systems with representatives from the Scottish pig industry, animal welfare organisations and academia.”
“Therefore, we will be working closely with the UK Government and other devolved Administrations on the delivery of the programme. This is a draft Official Report and is subject to correction between publication and archiving, which will take place no later than 35 working days after the date of the meeting.”
“I welcome Joe Fagan to the chamber. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting agriculture, food production and our food and drink sectors in a fair manner. In March, we published our first rural support plan, outlining support for the next five years and providing the clarity, certainty and opportunity to plan.”
“At column 3, paragraph 3— Original text— I point out to the member that we are doing this in concert with the UK Government. There is a joint consultation ongoing as we speak, and I have confirmed with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ministers our agreement to do that joint consultation.”
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“However, at a time when finances are tight and the challenges that the farming sector is facing feel particularly acute, misdirected or poorly targeted support is something that farmers and crofters, and the country as a whole, can ill afford. I am sure that we will hear shortly about examples from other parts of the country, but in an Orkney context, the experience of the FFIS reflects a wider failure of Government policy to fully recognise the needs and circumstances of those who are farming in island communities. That was not the initial reaction to the scheme, which appeared to prioritise island farm businesses, along with young farmers and the tenanted sector—all of whom, I would suggest, face specific challenges.”
“I would like to question the member on that point. The stated intention was not specifically about young farmers, islanders and new entrants; it was about the specific policy intent that was set out in the briefing. We have achieved that with the limited pot of money that we have put into the discretionary scheme. Does the member not accept that? Liam McArthur: I am not sure that I do accept that. To some extent, time will tell, given the nature of the scheme’s objectives, but there is clear evidence, not only from those who did not make successful applications but from those who did, that it is difficult to see how the objectives will be met. The minister might argue that the funding is now circulating in the sector—again, that is certainly true.”
“Jim Fairlie: Paul McLennan is well aware that supply chain fairness is a reserved matter, but we are working hard to ensure that Scottish industry concerns are taken into account in the current consultation on fairness in the combinable crops sector. If the consultation responses suggest that interventions are necessary, we will collaborate in the development of that policy response, ensuring that it meets the needs of Scottish stakeholders, such as our malting barley producers. Where we have the powers to do so, we are doing all that we can to protect and support that iconic sector.”
“Paul McLennan: East Lothian produces excellent grain, but, as the minister said, the sector has faced issues in relation to one of the hardest harvests in years. After a dry spring and summer, growers—especially malting barley producers—face huge pressures. Growers are being left to carry the can for decisions that are made beyond their control, whether in relation to vague contract wording, inconsistent testing standards or an unwillingness to share risk. What can the Scottish Government do to reinforce the need for joined-up thinking and shared responsibility at every level of the supply chain?”
“I thank Paul McLennan for the question, because it is important. Our arable producers face significant challenges, including volatile markets and extreme weather conditions. From conversations with stakeholders, I understand that the sector has a long-term concern regarding the supply chain. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is carrying out a supply chain fairness review into the combinable crops sector, with a consultation open until 4 February. My officials have been closely involved in the consultation process and will collaborate in the development of any resulting policy measures, ensuring that the views of Scottish stakeholders are explored and understood as part of the wider consideration of whether any interventions need to be developed.”
“Has the minister had any discussion with farmers about the likely costs in relation to the loss of livestock, including pedigree livestock, should lynx be reintroduced and start killing them? Jim Fairlie: I admit that I have not had any such conversations, because it is not in our plans. We do not plan to reintroduce lynx, so I have not needed to have those conversations. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Again, we have a number of supplementaries, so they will need to be brief.”
“I absolutely understand that there are concerns in light of the recent public engagement and media attention about proposals to reintroduce lynx in Scotland. Any proposed reintroduction would require a significant amount of consultation and evidence to assess the associated risks and benefits before a licence would be considered. Neither the Scottish Government nor NatureScot have carried out a formal assessment of any potential impact that lynx would have on rural communities and livestock in Scotland at present. For clarity, our position remains the same: we have no plans to reintroduce lynx in Scotland. Edward Mountain: As the minister rightly says, the majority of farmers in Scotland would like the Government to abide by its policy not to reintroduce lynx in Scotland.”
“However, that does not alter the fact that the Government is maintaining direct support in order to maintain rural communities. Without those strong rural communities, we cannot deliver on the biodiversity and nature promises that we are seeking to deliver, so we will continue with that process. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There is a lot of interest in supplementaries. I will try to get everybody in, but the questions will need to be short, as will the responses. If they are not, I will cut across them.”
“Gillian Mackay: The First Minister has previously said: “The Government is absolutely committed to maintaining an approach to agriculture that focuses on supporting the agriculture sector, supporting the measures to tackle the nature crisis that we face and implementing measures on climate change.”—[Official Report, 18 December 2025; c 26.] How does the minister propose to deliver on that now, given that leading environmental organisations have lost confidence in the process? Jim Fairlie: The fact that members of the agriculture reform implementation oversight board have left, which is the situation to which Gillian Mackay is referring, is a decision for them. I think that it was the wrong decision, a regrettable decision and one that they will regret themselves.”
“Reforms are already under way to align agriculture with climate and biodiversity targets while sustainably producing food. This year, we have increased the ecological focus areas, which means that more land is farmed in ways that benefit nature and climate. We will continue to develop our agriculture policy in a way that works for climate, people and the rural economy, and, as reform advances, we will continue to engage with Scotland’s environmental sector. However, we can meet climate, nature and sustainable food production goals only if we have successful farming and crofting businesses, which is why we will continue to offer vital support through direct payments as we go forward.”
“Jim Fairlie: The point that I am making is that we are doing an awful lot of work to try to rebuild that resilience, and the points that the member makes about the Cumbrae section can be picked up as a further consideration.”
“We have started the procurement of two new freight vessels for the northern isles routes, serving Orkney and Shetland. We have progressed investment in the key ports and harbours, as has been mentioned. We have progressed considerations around the potential purchase of Ardrossan harbour. We have confirmed additional revenue funding of £270 million between 2018-19 and 2025-26 to support the operation of local authority ferry services. We have published the “Islands Connectivity Plan— Strategic Approach” and the long-term vessels and ports plan. We have introduced free travel to under-22 islanders on the interisland ferries in Orkney and Shetland and the outer Hebrides. We have extended the young persons concessionary travel scheme, which provides islanders with two free return journeys. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, minister.”
“Jim Fairlie: The first point that Paul O’Kane put to me was about how we are going to rebuild trust. I accept the fact that there is a need to do that. However, since being re-elected in 2021, the Scottish Government has delivered the MV Glen Sannox into service; bought and deployed an additional vessel, the MV Loch Frisa; and extended the charter of the MV Alfred to provide additional resilience. In recent months, we have chartered the MV Arrow to provide cover and additional capacity on the northern isles ferry service route and Clyde and Hebrides ferry service route. Further, we have commissioned two new vessels for Islay, two new vessels for the Little Minch routes and seven new electric vessels for routes across the west coast.”
“There is a fiasco in our ferries—I think that we all know that. What will the minister do to rebuild the faith of those communities? It will require the physical upgrading of infrastructure, which he has referred to, which has been for too long neglected. That is what will demonstrate a long-term commitment to connecting our islands. On the Cumbrae slipway, can the Government say what is being done to make sure that it progresses on time and on budget, with minimal disruption? Regarding Arran, I note the First Minister’s comments that the acquisition of the harbour is at an advanced stage, but will the Government commit to ensure that any acquisition will come with an infrastructure investment plan to upgrade the harbour and reconnect Arran and Ardrossan?”
“The published strategies, such as the strategic transport projects review 2, the national islands plan and the island connectivity plan, outline our commitment to maintain and enhance connectivity across Scotland. Those strategies include on-going and proposed investments in ferries, roads, railways and other infrastructure across the west of Scotland. Recent and on-going investments include works at the Cumbrae slipway and the procurement of new vessels such as the MV Glen Sannox. Wider committed vessels projects will see one third of the Clyde and Hebrides fleet renewed in the coming years. Paul O’Kane: The minister knows well the frustrations and anger of local communities on Cumbrae and Arran and in the mainland ports because of ferry routes to Largs, Ardrossan and Troon being delayed.”
“Our bus fare cap pilot, which will be delivered across the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership and Shetland Transport Partnership areas, is a commitment that we are giving to bus operators and local authorities to ensure that we can deliver those services. There will be a further round of the plugged-in communities grant fund, which will directly help rural communities. We are taking a range of measures right across the piece to ensure that we have the engagement and the services that local people want in rural communities. I am determined to ensure that we continue to do more. Blindwells (Transport Solutions) 5.”
“Will the Government now commit to properly funding rural bus services to end the social injustice that affects too many of our rural communities, including in Dumfriesshire? Jim Fairlie: As I said in my initial answer, I have written to Dumfries and Galloway Council to set up discussions about what is needed in its area, and I am still awaiting a response. We will continue to look at that. The member is right to say that the Scottish Government has put £50 million-plus into concessionary travel, but we have also invested £4 million to support local authorities to build business cases for local bus improvements. That is on-going.”
“In the meantime, I have held several meetings with SWestrans since the near collapse of bus services following the withdrawal of Stagecoach services right across the region last summer. Since then, some at-risk services, such as the morning 74 service from Moffat to Dumfries, have been restored, thanks in part to Annandale Community Transport Service and the work of SWestrans. However, serious concerns remain on key routes, including in Annandale and Nithsdale. The Government is allocating a further £56 million to concessionary travel in the budget, but the problem for many of the communities that I represent is that there is simply no bus for them to travel on, discounted, free or otherwise.”
“My officials have been in regular contact with Dumfries and Galloway Council and SWestrans. The most recent meeting took place on 9 July to obtain updates on the changes to bus services in the area. As the member knows, local authorities have a duty to identify where there is a social need for particular bus services, and they can subsidise those at their discretion. The Scottish Government has no powers to intervene on that decision making. In November, I also agreed to meet Dumfries and Galloway Council to discuss bus services, and my office is awaiting feedback from it to make those arrangements happen. Craig Hoy: I thank the minister for that answer, but I am somewhat shocked that he has not met SWestrans or Dumfries and Galloway Council since 9 July last year.”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: Finlay Carson will open on behalf of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee. 16:06”
“Alongside the merger provisions, the bill also enables suitably qualified members of the merged court and—on a transitional basis—members of the Lands Tribunal for Scotland to act in the Upper Tribunal. The intention of those provisions is to enhance the resilience of the Upper Tribunal by giving it access to a broader range of expertise when that is required. The reform that is brought in by the bill modernises structures without diluting tradition. It creates a more integrated, coherent and flexible system for resolving land and property disputes for Scotland’s crofting and rural communities. I commend the bill to the chamber. I move, That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill.”
“On flexibility, the bill allows legal, agricultural and valuation expertise to be deployed more effectively across the court’s jurisdiction. The administrative integration that is already in place has demonstrated the benefits of a unified approach, and the bill builds on that experience. In their consideration of the bill, members of the judiciary, including the chairman of the Land Court, Lord Duthie, raised important points about appeals and procedure, particularly for tribunal- type cases that are transferred into the court. I confirm that we will continue to engage with the judiciary and will introduce stage 2 amendments to ensure that those points are properly addressed.”
“The provisions in the bill will give legislative effect to the work and are grounded on three principles: simplicity, coherence and flexibility. Those principles remain central to part 2 of the bill that is before us today. On simplicity, the bill replaces the two bodies operating in closely related areas of law and already sharing the same judicial leadership with a single unified court. That removes unnecessary structural complexity while preserving specialist jurisdictions. On coherence, the committee heard evidence from the judicial stakeholders about the statutory overlap and procedural anomalies arising from the parallel operation of the court and the tribunal, particularly with regard to agricultural holdings and land reform registration. The merger resolves those issues and provides a clearer and more consistent framework.”
“It will help to lay a stronger and healthier foundation for crofting, where we aim to have increased residency levels and more people using their crofts and common grazings. We will then be in a better place to carefully consider what reform is needed for the future. I turn to part 2 of the bill, which provides for the merger of the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland. That is a measured and administrative reform; it is also one with practical importance for how land and property disputes are determined in Scotland. Work on the reforms was initiated back in 2015 by Lord Minginish, following his appointment as the chair of the Scottish Land Court and president of the Lands Tribunal, and it has continued under Lord Duthie, who is the current judicial head of both bodies.”
“This reform should not be viewed in isolation, but must be seen alongside the work that is being done by the Crofting Commission. It is important to note that the interplay between legislation and the commission’s policy plan is vital. The legislation provides the necessary framework, and the plan provides the detail of how the commission will administer and regulate. The commission has the legislative tools, and it now also has the resources to carry out its functions. The changes in the bill will further support the commission’s work in processing regulatory applications and tackling breaches of duty. I will continue working with the commission to ensure that it creates more opportunities for new entrants and for young people to enter crofting. The bill prepares the ground for what comes next.”
“That amounts to significant change, and the bill will make crofting regulation less onerous for active crofters and the commission, and flexible enough to grasp new opportunities and cope with future challenges. As I set out in my written response to the committee, I am committed to ensuring that the views that were raised through the evidence sessions and on the bill are considered. We are therefore carefully considering a small number of possible amendments, which include strengthening the wording in the bill on the “environmental use” of crofts, providing flexibility to allow non-natural persons to take title of a croft, maintaining linkages between the crofting register and the land register when adjusting boundaries and, where applicable, maintaining a relationship between the grazing share and the inby croft.”
“However, the bill is more than just a technical bill; it is also an enabling bill, delivering a number of meaningful improvements to legislation. It will give crofters more options for how they use their land; allow around 700 people to apply to become a crofter; streamline the enforcement of duties and the family assignation process; prevent crofters who are in breach of their duties from profiteering and removing land from the crofting tenure; and prevent the accidental separation of a grazing share from an inby croft. In addition, landlords and subtenants will be able to report breaches of duty to the Crofting Commission, and crofters will be able to apply to the commission for boundary and registration changes.”
“Over summer 2024, we carried out a consultation, and my officials ran 15 public events throughout the crofting counties, which were attended by 257 people. I take this opportunity to thank my officials for their hard work and their efforts to ensure that we have a solid bill that has wide stakeholder support. The bill will deliver positive changes, building on previous reforms. Let me be clear: it represents another step on the journey that we are committed to continue as we work with our crofting communities to secure their future. Crofting law is extremely complex, and even where there is consensus that something needs changing, it is often difficult to reach consensus on what the remedy should be. Developing proposals and identifying workable solutions requires time, and I think that crofting stakeholders are sympathetic to that.”
“It was and is a hard-earned living tradition that shapes our rural land and communities. Around 15,000 crofters care for around 750,000 hectares of Scotland’s land, and this Government backs them with more than £40 million every year because crofting matters—it matters to our past, our present and our future. Crofting has much potential. It provides opportunities for new entrants and young people to make a life in the places that they know and love. We can assist that by supporting a range of approaches to crofting, including agritourism, local food networks, peatland restoration and livestock production, to name but a few. The proposals that have been considered came from a variety of sources, including the crofting law sump and issues that were identified and raised by stakeholders over three years of close collaboration.”
“I am pleased to open this debate on the Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill. I thank the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee for its detailed scrutiny of the bill and all those who have given evidence during stage 1. Most importantly, I thank the crofting communities for their invaluable insights and contributions, including the people I spoke to during my visits to Lewis, Harris and Skye. I look forward to working constructively with members from all parties as we progress this important piece of legislation, and I hope that, today, we can all agree to support its general principles, as the committee recommended in its stage 1 report. The bill has two main parts, and I will begin by focusing on part 1, which is the crofting element. Crofting is a part of who we are.”
“Rhoda Grant’s ridiculous attempt to dupe the fisher folk by trying to defend the indefensible is truly heroic but, ultimately, it will be futile, because folk will see it as just another Labour disaster as Labour treats Scotland as nothing more than an afterthought. I tried to talk to Dame Angela Eagle about the matter.”
“I remember clearly when my friend and colleague Richard Lochhead, when he was the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment, which included fisheries at the time, was over in the EU while the discussions about quotas were taking place. The UK Government minister could not make it on time, but Richard Lochhead was there in the room. We have heard about the size of the Scottish fishing fleet and what it brings to the UK, yet the Tory UK Government decided that the best thing to do was to bring an unelected lord over from London to sit in the room and negotiate rather than allow the man who actually knew the details of what Scottish fishing needed to do so. I am sorry, but we are not going to hear any nonsense from the Tories about things being better under them.”
“Can he confirm that, when the Scottish Government asked for the funding to be devolved, it was made clear that that was not going to be on the basis of the Barnettisation of the fund? That is basically the position that Rhoda Grant took in her speech, and it is on the minister to clarify whether the Scottish Government did actually ask for that. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I can give you the time back, minister. Jim Fairlie: Patience, Mr Kerr. Tim Eagle said that we were “better off under the Tories”. Well, I can hardly say that that was the case, given the fact that the Tory Government did not have a devolved scheme.”
“I remember when, as a shepherd, I would put stuff up on social media and folk would say, “Oh, it must be a really hard life there in the snow.” I always referred to the fact that it is not nearly as hard as it is for the fisher folk, because what they do for our coastal communities to keep the jobs and keep the economy going there is absolutely fantastic. We have heard about the position of Welsh Labour. I commend Martin Whitfield for sitting in the chamber and listening to the debate, but that is going to be absolutely no comfort to the Scottish coastal communities, as they have seen themselves absolutely hammered by the UK Labour Government. Stephen Kerr: I think, however, that the minister ought to address the issues that Rhoda Grant raised.”
“I thank Alasdair Allan very much for lodging the motion for debate, and I thank members for giving their views on this important issue. I am heartened by the fact that there has been broad recognition that the UK Government’s insulting allocation to Scotland from the fishing and coastal growth fund is unacceptable. It is a decision that cannot stand, and it must be revisited. Mr Allan clearly laid out the details, so I will not reiterate them, but it is clear that our fisher folk are the bedrock of our coastal communities.”
“I have already asked some parliamentary questions on the issue, which I did not want to have to do this side of Christmas, and I will be asking about it just after Christmas as well. 14:23”
“The problem is that, because Parliament shuts today, I will not be able to obtain parliamentary scrutiny of the matter for the next two weeks. By the time I next have the ability to obtain parliamentary scrutiny, it will be past the date on which the measure comes in. It is one thing to hold a debate the subject of which we can totally agree on—I agree with Alasdair Allan on the fishing and coastal growth fund—but it is completely outrageous that, at the same time, such a decision has been announced on the last sitting day before the recess. It is a problematic and controversial policy. There are operators of smaller fishing boats in the pelagic fleet who will be very worried about the proposed change, which represents a significant increase.”
“Does the member accept that there are unprecedented pressures on the processing sector right now and that the decision has been taken in order to protect the whole of the Scottish industry, not just some boats? Tim Eagle: I accept that the processors have made some comments on the issue, but I have had other stakeholders on the phone today, who have told me, “I can’t believe they’ve done this so close to 1 January.” It is a very last-minute decision. I note that the written answer says that there was “intensive ... consultation”, but I have not seen any of that. I have no idea what that consultation was—nor, it would appear, does most of the fishing sector. This is the season of good will, so I do not want to go on and on about it, but we will come back to the issue.”
“As I said, members of the public can contact the rural payments and inspections directorate area office mailbox to seek general guidance and feedback on their application.”
“The scheme gave applicants no reason for rejection and offered no right of appeal. Therefore, it looks as though the Government is overpromising and underdelivering. The Scottish National Party voted down Scottish Conservative proposals that would have resulted in the scheme being reviewed and reported on and that would have provided applicants with transparency. Will the minister consider reopening the scheme? If so, how will he ensure that more small farms are successful and that those that are not successful understand why? Jim Fairlie: No, we will not be reopening the scheme, but we will shortly publish details of how the applications were assessed and provide information on why some applicants were not successful.”
“Agricultural data are not collected for the North East Scotland region, because such data are not collected on the basis of Scottish parliamentary electoral regions. The Inverurie rural payments and inspections directorate agricultural area office region, which covers the north-east area, received 1,138 applications. Of those applications, 703 were eligible and 433 were assessed as not eligible, and a total of 326 applicants were offered a grant. A central mailbox for queries from unsuccessful applicants is being provided. Liam Kerr: It seems that I am better informed than the minister, because I have the data and can tell him that, in the north-east, 85 per cent of applications were rejected. Nationwide, the scheme received more than 7,500 applications, but nearly half were ruled ineligible.”
“We have the national fly-tipping strategy; we also have to get better data, as data is critical. Work is already under way to strengthen national fly-tipping data and improve intelligence through digital waste tracking and the new reporting powers that are in the relevant act. Tackling fly-tipping supports wider priorities, including rural crime prevention, waste crime, environmental protection and community safety. The Government is definitely taking it very seriously. “Repopulating Rural Scotland” 2.”
“Liz Smith: The minister has been in the same meetings that I have sat through, in which farmers, in particular, have made their strong case that fly- tipping is creating considerable difficulties for their businesses and productivity. I suspect that Mr Fairlie knows exactly the areas in Perth and Kinross that I am talking about. Sadly, he will also know that Perth and Kinross Council and Fife Council are in the 10 worst areas when it comes to fly-tipping. I hear what the minister has just said about the measures that are in place. However, are he and his ministerial colleagues convinced that, when people know who is undertaking the fly-tipping, enough is being done to ensure that those persons are apprehended and properly dealt with? Jim Fairlie: Because of the rurality of the crime, it is incredibly difficult to get on top of it.”
“I am very glad that Liz Smith has brought up that issue, because it is really important. The Government recognises the impact of fly-tipping on rural areas and understands the pressure that it places on farmers. We are strengthening enforcement and support in rural communities through the national litter and fly- tipping strategy. That includes work by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency with local authorities to improve investigations and develop guidance for landowners on relevant powers. A private landowners grant fund supported the prevention and removal of fly-tipping in the first two years of the strategy, and a year 2 evaluation will be published shortly. The Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime and other partners are contributing through the strategy group.”
“Greening changes are part of a phased transition to the new support framework and will allow the greening payments to support the commitment to tier 2 support that is set out in that route map. The regulations improve the provisions for ecological focus areas by requiring more businesses to undertake EFA activities as a condition of their greening payment, which will increase the area of land that is managed for EFA and widen the options and choices that are available for those who undertake such activities. The changes have been designed to ensure that they will deliver environmental improvements while supporting sustainable, productive agricultural businesses.”
“I point out to Mr Eagle that, if he does not want to be charged as performative, he should not be performative, because that is exactly what his contribution was. He knows the processes that have been gone through. He knows the debates that have happened. He knows that the matter has been voted on. He also knows that this is the right thing to do. Presiding Officer, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to make a statement on the regulations. We have committed to providing a replacement Scottish rural development programme scheme, as is set out in the vision for agriculture, the agricultural reform route map and the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024.”
“However, it is a bit rich that we have a Tory telling us about all the things that we are doing wrong here, given that the Tories started the dismantling of farm support in the rest of the UK while the Scottish Government continued with direct payments and schemes to ensure that we protected our hill and upland farmers and continued to support our industry—to the point where we have proper working relationships, whereas things are absolutely disastrous for people down in”
“However, Scottish farmers, including those in my West Scotland region, have also been let down by the SNP Government, most recently through the inconsistent future farming investment scheme. This year, the SNP Government has also failed to publish the rural support plan, tp provide multi- annual ring-fenced funding and to return the missing money in full to the agriculture budget. Can the minister assure farmers that this year’s Scottish budget will support them? Jim Fairlie: The one thing that I agree with Pam Gosal on is that the inheritance tax introduced by the UK Government is an absolute disaster for family farms in Scotland.”
“We have repeatedly raised intra- United Kingdom agricultural funding allocation concerns with the UK Government, most recently with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at the interministerial group meeting on Monday. The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government also wrote to the chancellor on 15 October, highlighting the issue among our priorities for the UK budget. We have been clear that a population-based Barnett settlement for land and sea support is inappropriate. It misses the opportunity to recognise Scotland’s larger share of land and seas and their potential to contribute significantly to the UK’s climate and nature restoration goals. Pam Gosal: The Labour Government showed its contempt for farmers this afternoon when it refused to reverse its cruel family farm tax.”
“Jim Fairlie: As I have said, there has been an awful lot of input into the review, and NatureScot will take all of it into account before the finalised report comes to ministers and is then presented to”