Mairi Gougeon
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Mairi Gougeon: As other members have done, Michelle Thomson has raised a number of important points. We established a food security unit precisely to address the key challenges that members have identified.”
“I am grateful to Jamie Halcro Johnston for securing the debate. Given the breadth of the areas that are covered in the motion, any one of my colleagues could have been here to respond. However, I am delighted to have the opportunity to do so, because this SNP Government cares deeply about our rural and island communities.”
“He did not do as badly on that run as he thought, but I am glad to hear that he suffered afterwards. [Laughter.] On Fulton MacGregor’s substantive point and the concerns that he has raised about community right to buy, he is absolutely right.”
“Last but certainly not least, I thank my amazing family, whom I cannot wait to spend more time with, and my amazing husband, Baptiste. It takes the patience of a saint to be married to anyone in this job, but he has looked after me and I would be at a loss without him.”
“Of course, some of those challenges remain, but our rural and island communities and industries are rich with opportunity and this Government has been determined to unlock it. Housing is a key issue that has been raised in the motion and throughout the debate.”
“Our croft house grant scheme has invested more than £26.5 million to support more than 1,100 croft homes. We are going further still, with an announcement this year of a new rural and island housing grant scheme, with investment of up to £20 million.”
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“Stephen Kerr: That answer confirms that the Scottish National Party Government does not have a clue whether it actually supports Scottish fishing. On the one hand, John Swinney has said that the UK Government has “surrendered” the Scottish fishing industry. On the other hand, he is campaigning to rejoin the European Union, which would result in a return to the disastrous common fisheries policy and would be even more damaging for Scottish fishing. What is worse for Scottish fishing—the sell-out by the Labour Government or the hypocrisy of the SNP? Mairi Gougeon: I would say that it is the sell- out by the Tories and the UK Government. The Tories wish to touch on our position once we are an independent country, which I am more than happy to talk about and set out.”
“As set out in the programme for government, we will continue to champion and support Scotland’s world-leading fishing sector to maximise fishing opportunities and to modernise, by delivering technical and management improvements through the future catching policy and our inshore fisheries management improvement programme. The EU-UK trade deal agreed by the UK Government disadvantages the Scottish catching sector. The deal merely perpetuates the arrangements that had been agreed by the previous Conservative Government and their failure to protect our fishing communities. I am therefore calling for a fair share of the fishing and coastal growth fund budget allocation to be devolved and administered in partnership with Scottish stakeholders, reflecting the size and importance of fishing to Scotland.”
“The 2018 act introduced an explicit requirement for ministers and 70 other public bodies to have due regard for island communities. Island communities impact assessments are a formal mechanism to ensure that public bodies island proof their decision making by considering our islands’ unique circumstances.”
“Island economies combine a mix of tradition and innovation that spans a diverse range of sectors, from farming and crofting to agritourism, and from food and drink to spaceports and, of course, fishing and aquaculture. I know that island entrepreneurialism was, rightly, celebrated through a recent members’ business debate that was promoted by Jamie Halcro Johnston. It is only right that we take every opportunity to recognise and champion rural and island businesses and their central role in sustaining our island communities. Next week, we will mark seven years since the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 was approved by this Parliament. To this day, Scotland remains one of the few countries worldwide with an island-specific piece of legislation. We should be very proud of that and continue to celebrate it.”
“I am glad to open the debate and highlight the enduring importance of Scotland’s island communities and businesses. I will take this opportunity to outline the work that the Scottish Government has undertaken in partnership with communities, businesses and local authorities to promote our islands’ voices and support their aspirations. In addition, I would like to update members on the development of a new national islands plan and on the progress that has been made on implementing the carbon neutral islands project. Scotland’s islands are an integral part of our national character, and they continue to play a vital role in how we are perceived around the globe.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My app would not connect. I would have voted no. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Gougeon. We will ensure that that is recorded.”
“I appreciate that Rhoda Grant states in her amendment that “speculation is not helpful”, but the UK Government has unfortunately left a complete vacuum on these issues, which means that there has essentially been no other option but to speculate. It does not help when UK Government ministers contradict each other in what they say publicly. Stakeholders are blind, as are we, to what potential benefits—if any—might be sought by the UK Government and are left to worry about press statements and third-hand rumour. That is simply not good enough. We demand better for our fishing communities, given the disproportionate importance of fishing to the Scottish economy.”
“It is therefore essential that, as we face another milestone in the Brexit era, the UK Labour Government hears what we, in Scotland, have to say. I remain frustrated and deeply disappointed that, despite a promise to reset relationships, my UK Government counterparts have not sought to engage on these matters, which are of such importance to Scotland. One of the Government’s priorities is driving economic growth, and fishing and our wider seafood sector are key parts of that. As I have just outlined, one of Scotland’s most important assets is our fishing industry, including the people and communities who make a living from it, and its contribution to the Scottish economy is vital. Recent media coverage shows the lack of clarity in the UK Government’s strategy in the lead-up to the EU-UK summit on 19 May.”
“Today, this Government urges the UK Labour Administration not to repeat the failures of the previous UK Government. A heavy price has already been paid, with the fishing industry impacted far worse than many others. The Scottish Government cares deeply about securing a prosperous future for fishing communities and seeks to deliver the best outcome for our fishing interests in both catching and processing. When I addressed the chamber on 18 February, in response to Beatrice Wishart’s members’ business debate, I emphasised that Scotland’s fishing industry is “ingrained in our national identity.”—[Official Report, 18 February 2025; c 107.] It plays a vital role in Scotland’s marine economy and it is a significant aspect of the economic, social and cultural fabric of Scotland’s rural, coastal and island communities.”
“I welcome Tim Eagle’s recognition that the TCA did not deliver for the fishing sector. Perhaps the Scottish Tories should have opened the debate by offering an apology to our fishing communities, given the harmful Brexit deal that they inflicted on Scotland against our will. Far from delivering a sea of opportunity, they delivered the worst of both worlds, as was noted by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation. Coming to this chamber to pose as the champions of the fishing industry would be laughable if the matter was not so serious. The term “brass neck” springs to mind. Benefits from the trade and co-operation agreement have been extremely limited. Moreover, the effects of Brexit represent permanent and on-going barriers to trade that significantly impair the competitiveness of our seafood sector.”
“I move, That the Parliament expresses its deep concern at reports that the UK Labour administration may agree a deal with the EU that enhances access for EU fishing vessels to UK waters; understands that the reported deal could result in a multi-year access guarantee as opposed to annual negotiations between the UK and the EU; believes that Scotland’s domestic fishing industry is a significant contributor to the economy and that every effort should be made to support it during trade negotiations; notes that the existing fisheries deal between the EU and the UK is not perfect, but that it took the sector out of the Common Fisheries Policy; acknowledges that the UK Labour administration’s potential new deal would turn a good opportunity to build on this foundation into a missed opportunity that represents a backwards step for the sector as bad as the Common Fisheries Policy; calls on the Scottish Government to drop its support for the Common Fisheries Policy and do all that it can to ensure that the UK Labour administration does not sell out the Scottish fishing industry as part of its talks with the EU, and believes that there should be an annual debate on fisheries to highlight its importance to Scotland’s economy.”
“If those reports are true, it would be a shocking blow to marine protection in Scotland and I call on the Government to urgently rethink that decision. I would never consider asking France for 40 per cent of its vineyards for a deal, although I enjoy its wine. The EU should not be asking us for our natural resources. It is time, once and for all, for Britain to again have a prosperous, sustainable fishing industry in our hands, with us leading negotiations on access. It is time that we stood up for our fishing sector—catching and processing— and for our coastal communities and all who know its rich history, because it is in Scotland’s DNA.”
“All of those issues lie solely within the control of the SNP Government. I believe that, if not in this parliamentary session, certainly in the next session a full and detailed review needs to be carried out in those areas. Worryingly, I have also heard reports from the Government that it is looking to cancel the contract for marine aeroplane surveillance from its base in Inverness, with very little time for any discussion. That could potentially cost a number of jobs and would be a big blow not just to Inverness airport and jobs in the Highlands but to the fishing sector, which relies on those planes to monitor fishing in our waters. I have written to the cabinet secretary, asking for an update on that, but, if she can give us any answers in her speech, that would be great.”
“That should be a wake-up call to Scottish Labour to get down to London with a clear message: this deal cannot be made; we must protect our fishing industry. Several months ago, I asked the SNP to bring a Government debate on fishing to the chamber, recognising there has not been one in more than two years. That still has not happened. I recognise that the cabinet secretary told me before that it is going through the process, but what is taking so long? Sadly, I do not have time to go into depth on other issues, such as the spatial squeeze; gill nets; illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; and the on-going discussions around inshore fisheries, scallop dredging and cockle closures. Nor do I have time to touch on significant concerns around the function of the marine directorate and marine protected areas.”
“There is a rich and deep bond between the Scottish people and our natural assets, both onshore and offshore. For many, the connection with fishing is ingrained deeply in the collective memory of the generations of family members who have lived and worked with the sea. It is in the blood. Polling released today by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation—I thank it for this work— shows us that “Almost nine out of 10 Scots believe the UK should definitively control which vessels fish in its waters” and that “87% of people believe the UK should have full powers over which fleets fish in the UK ... Exclusive Economic Zone, with just 3.2% disagreeing.” Interestingly, that figure is high even in the central belt.”
“I want to say this before anyone else does: when the UK signed the trade and co-operation agreement with the EU, it did not deliver a deal on fishing that met the expectations of the catching sector. However, it delivered two important things: withdrawal from the hated common fisheries policy and an opportunity to gain an even better deal in 2026-27. For years, I have felt confident saying to fishermen that those twin gains were a given. Now, however, the Labour Party is putting them in peril. Annually, Scottish fishermen land more than 500,000 tonnes, with a value of £683 million, including £175 million-worth that is landed abroad. However, the debate is about not just the sector’s economic contribution to Scotland but its cultural one.”
“Perhaps the member would like to read our paper on the marine economy and what that would look like in an independent Scotland, which was published as part of our “Building a New Scotland” series. I am sure that he would be greatly interested in what he would find out about the power that we would have and the position that we would be in as an independent member state of the EU. Tim Eagle: I will read rhetoric from the SNP less and listen more to my constituents who want out of the common fisheries policy. Labour members will perhaps challenge me on the Brexit deal. Perhaps they will cry that it could have been done better, but I doubt that Labour would have done better, judging by what we might be about to hear on 19 May, when Sir Keir Starmer’s planned EU-UK summit takes place in London.”
“We want to be an independent member state of the EU because we would then have the power and the ability to shape EU law and to work for the benefit of Scotland. The Deputy Presiding Officer: That concludes portfolio questions on rural affairs, land reform and islands. Before we move on to the next portfolio, there will be a brief pause to allow the front-bench teams to change. Health and Social Care National Heath Service (Single-sex Spaces) 1.”
“Norway thrives outside of the EU but inside the single market through controlling its own waters, managing its own resources and delivering prosperity for its people. Does the Scottish Government accept that Norway offers a viable model of European trade for an independent Scotland? What concrete steps is the Government taking to ensure that Scotland regains access to the single market? Mairi Gougeon: Ash Regan is right to say that Norway offers an alternative model. However, again, it is the position of the Scottish Government that we would seek to rejoin the EU as an independent nation. Although Norway is outside the CFP, European Economic Area members such as Norway are required to implement the vast majority of EU law, but they have little or no involvement in how those laws are made.”
“As set out in “Building a new Scotland: Our marine sector in an independent Scotland”, the common fisheries policy is an integral part of EU law. It is well established that membership of the CFP is a fundamental requirement of EU membership. The Scottish Government supports the overarching principles and strategic outcomes of the CFP and their role in supporting long-term sustainable fishing. An independent Scotland in the EU, as an influential maritime nation, would have a significant opportunity to shape the future of the policy and relevant legislative and regulatory developments. Ash Regan: Norway, which is a country that is similar in size to Scotland, is a member of the European Free Trade Association, which gives it access to the European Economic Area.”
“Can she confirm that the closure of the wrasse fishery between 1 December and 30 April is intended to protect wrasse species during the spawning season and that those protections are a standard part of fisheries management plans? Mairi Gougeon: I would want to offer that clarity—yes, the closure is to protect wrasse. However, as I outlined when I gave evidence to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee on fisheries management plans, not having a plan in place does not mean that we will not take any action to look at what more we can do for this important species. Indeed, we have taken a number of measures over the past few years. We continue to keep the matter under review to see what more we can do when it comes to wrasse. The Deputy Presiding Officer: We have a supplementary from Ariane Burgess, who joins us remotely.”
“The Scottish Government has commissioned Seafish to undertake initial scoping work to help inform our approach to fisheries management plans for non- quota species, including wrasse. The Scottish Government has been clear that our resources are currently focused on delivering the statutory commitment in the United Kingdom Fisheries Act 2020 and the UK joint fisheries statement on the production of 43 fisheries management plans, 21 of which the Scottish Government is the lead co- ordinating authority on. Elena Whitham: I understand that the cabinet secretary has recently agreed that appropriate assessments will be done on taking wrasse from special areas of conservation and marine protected areas.”
“This is an example of a local community not being consulted on or made aware of the landowner’s intention to sell, which is exactly the type of issue that we will try to address, should the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill be passed by the Parliament. Had the transparency proposals in that bill been enforced, the local community would have received prior notification of the landowner’s intention to sell. I have not yet seen the letter that Emma Roddick has sent to me, but I will consider it and see what more we can do to help the communities.”
“Emma Roddick: Like many people, I was deeply concerned to see the sale of Sleat peninsula, given the response of community members, who are surprised and worried that they will not get a say in what happens to the land next. I have written to the cabinet secretary seeking her support and asking her to convene a meeting of relevant stakeholders. It should be a given that communities get the chance to purchase land when it enters the market and that they get any available support to do so. How will the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill support communities such as that on Sleat? Can she offer them any support in the meantime? Mairi Gougeon: I thank Emma Roddick for raising that important issue, which we covered in the debate on land reform that took place last week.”
“I fully understand the cultural, economic and social importance of land reform and community ownership to people across the Highlands and Islands, and I will always ensure that their views are heard in the development of policy. In the development of the current Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, we consulted with rural communities across Scotland, including at public meetings in Helmsdale, Glenmoriston and Stornoway. Our proposals will bring real improvements to the way in which land is owned and managed across Scotland, and we will soon consult on the community right to buy review, in which the views of Highlands and Islands communities will again be crucial.”
“It is unfortunate that the opportunity that we had to do that earlier this week was cancelled at short notice, but we will continue to make that point to ministers at”
“Single malt is seen as a premium product for a reason. It is handcrafted using traditional methods, utilising local raw material— The Deputy Presiding Officer: I need a question, Ms McCall. Roz McCall: Will the cabinet secretary commit today to pressurising the UK Government more extensively on this point to ensure the protection of Scotland’s iconic brand? Mairi Gougeon: I am in full agreement with everything that Roz McCall has set out. The member mentioned a number of distilleries in her region. The economic impact and importance of our Scotch whisky industry more broadly across Scotland is clear for everyone to see, and we will continue to do everything in our power to pressure the UK Government to ensure that our iconic product is well recognised.”
“Roz McCall: That is exactly what I want to ask about. The success and growth of Scotch whisky is a story that we are all familiar with. In 2023, Scotch whisky exports, which accounted for 74 per cent of Scottish food and drink exports and 22 per cent of all United Kingdom food and drink exports, were estimated to be worth £5.4 billion. In my Mid Scotland and Fife region, there are many successful distilleries, including Deanston, Glengoyne, Glenturret, Tullibardine, Lindores Abbey and Kingsbarns, to name but a few. Therefore, it was extremely concerning to hear that, as the cabinet secretary has alluded to, the UK Government’s Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs is still open to the possibility of giving the green light to an application for English single malt to have protected status.”
“The Scottish Government takes the protection of Scotch whisky—and all of our iconic food and drink products—seriously. I had hoped to raise the issue at the interministerial group, but the meeting was cancelled at short notice, which is disappointing. I will be taking up this important issue with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at the earliest opportunity, to share our concerns and those of the industry at the proposals to redefine what is considered single malt. The whisky sector is a vital employer, particularly in our rural and island communities, and it is a significant part of our economy, contributing £5.4 billion-worth of exports last year. We will continue to work shoulder to shoulder with the sector to address any attempts to undermine confidence in our iconic single malt whisky.”
“We are an outlier in comparison with Europe, where more diverse land ownership is the norm. That long-standing unfairness and the negative impacts on our rural communities have previously been raised by the Scottish Land Commission and others. Scotland’s land must be an asset that benefits the many, not the few, and it must play a leading role in sustaining thriving rural communities, tackling the climate change and environmental crises and continuing sustainable food production.”
“I am sure that members across the chamber will join me in paying tribute to past and present members of our Parliament, stakeholders and individual campaigners who have worked tirelessly to shape and implement positive and progressive land reforms that have helped create opportunities for communities and individuals across our nation. They include pioneers of community ownership in places such as Eigg and Assynt, who demonstrated a positive alternative to the status quo—that is, that communities, crofters and tenants did not have to accept being frozen out of decisions that affected their lives. In Scotland, we have one of the most concentrated patterns of land ownership in the world, with 421 landowners owning 50 per cent of privately owned rural land.”
“I look forward to working constructively across the chamber as we progress this important bill, and I hope that we can all agree to support its general principles, as the majority of members of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee recommended in its stage 1 report. Land reform has been a long-standing priority of the Parliament; indeed, it was one of the driving forces that led to the Parliament’s reconvening in 1999. The bill marks the next staging post on the land reform journey, as it builds on the land reform acts that have been passed by successive Scottish Governments.”
“I think that today is a good day. Spring is upon us, and it is a time of renewed hope and optimism. It is on that note that I am proud to open today’s debate on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, which marks the next step on our land reform journey. I thank the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, the Finance and Public Administration Committee and the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee for their detailed scrutiny of the bill, and I thank everyone who gave evidence during stage 1. Hearing from a wide range of grass-roots voices from right across Scotland has been invaluable, and it is a mark of the strength of our Parliament.”
“Our strong regulatory framework already provides the important safeguards that are necessary to preserve our environment now and into the future. We know, however, and would agree, that there is always more to do. Our policies and regulations should always be informed by the best available science and evidence. I hope that members across the chamber agree that it is important that our interventions are evidence based and that they balance proportionate regulatory improvements to protect our natural environment against the impact that regulation could have on the sector’s economic potential. I am sure that all members are aware that salmon farming is a sector that attracts many and varied stakeholder opinions.”
“Salmon production largely takes place in our Highlands, rural areas and islands, where it provides high-value, high-skill, long-term employment opportunities that contribute to the on-going vibrancy and vitality of those communities. The committee heard evidence on the wide range of community benefits that the sector brings, including the direct and indirect jobs that it generates and sustains, the provision of housing, financial and in-kind support to local projects and community interests, and the underpinning of populations. As we work to tackle the climate crisis and grow Scotland’s economy, we are looking to enable the sector’s sustainable development. I know that the committee will share my view, set out in our vision, that economic benefit must not come at the expense of our environment.”
“In 2023, I published the “Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture”, which sets out our ambitions for the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector. The sector provides invaluable benefits for our nation, particularly the coastal and island communities where it operates. Our vision sets out how we see that sector developing, operating within environmental limits and supporting our local communities and economies. Last year, Scottish salmon was once again the United Kingdom’s top food export, achieving a record high of £844 million-worth of exports. The sector contributes significantly to our economy, with around 2,300 people directly employed and many more employed throughout its supply chain, covering a variety of different disciplines such as fish health, engineering, feed, vessels and equipment manufacture.”
“First, I am grateful to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee for its thorough exploration of the issues that salmon farming faces and for members’ consideration of the progress that has been made since the “Salmon farming in Scotland” report of December 2018. I do want to address a comment that the convener, Finlay Carson, has just made by saying that the Scottish Government does take the report’s recommendations very seriously and has given consideration to them. Secondly, I am grateful for the opportunity that the debate brings to discuss those matters more broadly across Parliament, to outline the key work that we as a Government have delivered since that initial report and to discuss our response to the committee’s recommendations in more detail.”
“Exports of Scottish food and drink were worth £7.6 billion in 2023 and they made up around a third of the total food and drink exports from the UK, with Scottish salmon accounting for £844 million of exports last year, and Scotch whisky accounting for £5.6 billion. Alongside the quality and integrity of our produce, one of our most valuable assets is the soft power of Scotland and our brand. Across the globe, a wealth of support and friendliness is directed towards our nation, and we must harness those ties of friendship to help our exports to grow and, thus, underpin high-quality jobs and prosperity in our economy.”
“Ten years ago, we launched the food and drink export plan, supported by Scotland Food & Drink, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Opportunity North East, Salmon Scotland, Scottish Development International, Seafood Scotland and Quality Meat Scotland. Under that plan, we have in-market specialists placed in key markets around the world to champion Scottish products to buyers, and they work with teams back in Scotland to help producers to take advantage of export opportunities. I meet the in-market specialists regularly and hear at first hand about the really creative and exciting work that they are doing to promote Scottish products across the globe. That work is fundamental to growth of the sector.”
“I know how important it is to work together with industry to help those businesses thrive, which is why the Scottish Government continues to support the Scotland Food & Drink partnership to deliver its strategy, “Sustaining Scotland. Supplying the World.” We have provided £10 million of funding so far towards that industry-led strategy for the sector, which was launched in 2023. The Scotland Food & Drink partnership is a unique and valuable asset and I cannot stress enough how much I value the collaboration between Government and our key partners to further the interests of the sector. I will highlight some of the work on that strategy that is being taken forward by the partnership.”
“Generations of farmers, fishermen, brewers, distillers and chefs work tirelessly every day, with passion and skill, to create some of the best produce in the world. Our processors, wholesalers and grocers also play a vital role in showcasing the very best of that produce and bringing it to us. I thank all the businesses that contribute to the success of the sector; we are determined to work with them and to support them in partnership. I recognise the contributions from everyone involved in keeping this dynamic, complex and highly interconnected sector operating and supplying food and drink to the people of Scotland, and beyond, each and every day.”
“It is vital that, as a Parliament, we take the time to discuss our iconic food and drink and how we can help to protect and grow the sector in an ever-changing world. Our food and drink sector is hugely important to Scotland and is a success story that we are determined to build on. It is a bedrock of the Scottish economy and is a £15 billion industry, with more than 17,000 businesses employing around 129,000 people and touching communities the length and breadth of Scotland. Jobs in the industry account for 4.9 per cent of total employment in Scotland, and I know that every member here will be able to give examples of businesses in their constituencies that contribute to those figures.”
“I offer an absolute assurance to members across the chamber and to the wider industry that we will continue to support our food and drink sector and its incredible products, which we know are enjoyed at home and abroad. We do that in a number of ways. We support the “Go Local” programme, which is about encouraging promotion of local products. We provide funding to the Scottish Wholesale Association to help it to support our Scottish wholesalers and producers to increase the volume of local produce that is sold. As I outlined in my initial answer, more widely we also support Scotland’s food and drink strategy. We will continue to do all that we can to support our incredible industry in Scotland. Migrant Workers (Agriculture Sector) 6.”
“Thankfully, the UK Government has U-turned on its damaging plans to water down the definition of “single malt”, which would have been detrimental to our whisky industry. Will the cabinet secretary assure me and, more importantly, the industry that the Scottish Government will continue to support and promote Scottish food and drink producers and their products, unlike the Labour Party, which, once again, has failed to fulfil a pre-election promise— its promise to back Scottish producers to the hilt? Mairi Gougeon: On Clare Haughey’s first point, I make it clear that we have not yet had official confirmation of that U-turn in the UK Government’s position, although it has been outlined to the UK Parliament by Treasury ministers. That process is still very much under way at the moment.”
“Scotland’s food and drink industry is a vitally important part of the economy. It is a £15-billion industry, which has more than 17,000 businesses that employ around 129,000 people, and it reaches into all parts of Scotland. In order to protect and promote provenance in the sector, we have provided £10 million over the course of 2023 to 2025 to support the delivery of Scotland’s food and drink strategy, “Sustaining Scotland. Supplying the World.” Since 2014, we have provided more than £7 million to the Scotland food and drink export plan to help businesses to exploit the most significant opportunities for Scotland. Clare Haughey: We are fortunate that Scotland is home to products that are recognised around the world for their quality.”
“We have been engaging closely with the sector on all those issues—that goes for both me, with the rural affairs portfolio, and for the cabinet secretary, with the climate change and net zero portfolio. As I have said, we are committed to holding that debate, and I look forward to discussing those matters with members from across the chamber.”
“There are so many issues that need to be debated, including those around fishing deals, the end of the United Kingdom’s trade and co- operation agreement with the European Union, inshore fisheries and the national maritime plan, and other views need to be heard. When will the Government schedule a debate? Will it be before the Easter recess or not? Mairi Gougeon: I appreciate the points that Jeremy Balfour has raised. He has raised a number of important matters that we discussed during the members’ business debate to which I referred. That is why I committed to holding a debate. That is not to say that there has been no discussion or engagement on those issues.”
“The Scottish Government cares deeply about ensuring a prosperous future for fishing communities. It is important to take stock and reflect on our fishing industry, which is one of Scotland’s most important assets, as well as on the people and communities who make a living from it and their contribution to the Scottish economy. In the members’ business debate on 18 February, which was brought forward by Beatrice Wishart, I committed to scheduling Government time for a debate on fisheries. I am happy to reaffirm that commitment. Jeremy Balfour: The cabinet secretary will appreciate that it has been two years since the Scottish Government brought forward such a debate.”
“I point to the fact that the planning application process for aquaculture developments includes environmental impact assessments and habitats regulations assessments as well as requirements for consultation with the public and the statutory consultees, which include the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The Scottish Government marine directorate can also be consulted on behalf of Scottish ministers as planning authorities deem necessary, depending on the nature of a development. With the legislative and regulatory processes that we have in place and all the work that we are currently undertaking in relation to aquaculture consenting in Scotland, I think that we have the robust measures that we need to consider such developments.”
“Sanda is a site of special scientific interest and it boasts resident bird species as well as amber-rated migrants such as wheatears. Mowi’s plans to develop the island put its unique environment under threat. With that in mind, how will the Government ensure that it meets its legal requirements in relation to good environmental status to ensure that Sanda’s vital ecosystems and rare species will be protected? Mairi Gougeon: I hope that I was able to outline in my initial response to the member just how robust our regulatory framework is in assessing plans for proposed development.”