Finlay Carson
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party · Scotland
“Forestry does not operate to a political timescale but works over decades, yet as a consequence of uncertainty about funding and direction, fewer trees are being planted and there is less confidence across the sector. The decision to cut the forestry grant scheme by 40 per cent has had consequences.”
“That is not climate leadership; it is climate displacement, which involves exporting our emissions while importing food from elsewhere, often with higher carbon costs. Jim Fairlie: I am not quite sure what the member is talking about with regard to declining production in this country.”
“In responding to the climate change plan, witnesses warned that the right balance has not yet been struck between short-term emissions and long- term sustainable restoration.”
“We all recognise the reality and impacts of climate change. Emissions must fall, Scotland must improve climate resilience and we must protect our natural environment, so we support an affordable transition to net zero.”
“Our third Scottish national adaptation plan is our blueprint to build resilience to climate change in a way that is fair and equitable but which can also potentially save millions of pounds by preventing damage. Collaboration is at its heart, including collaboration with local government.”
“The problem is, we know that action needs to be taken but the Government keeps kicking the hard decisions into the long grass. There is no certainty, and there is a reducing budget. The same credibility gap that we have just heard from the minister’s response exists when it comes to technology and implementation.”
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“On behalf of the committee, I thank the many stakeholders who provided evidence, written and in person, to us over the course of our inquiry. Our main focus was to follow up on the recommendations in the 2018 inquiry report “Salmon Farming in Scotland” by our predecessors in the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee. We aimed to understand whether, seven years on, the Scottish Government has been successful in efforts to place the industry on a more sustainable footing. We assessed progress across four main themes: fish health and welfare, environmental impacts, interactions between farmed and wild salmon, and the location of salmon farms.”
“I am pleased to open the debate on behalf of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee and to speak to the findings of our follow-up inquiry into salmon farming in Scotland. I begin by thanking all committee members, the clerks and Scottish Parliament information centre staff for their diligent work throughout the inquiry, and in producing what I think is a thoughtful and balanced report on a subject that can often attract very polarised opinions. We took evidence on our inquiry from June to October last year, hearing from a range of stakeholders who are involved in the industry, as well as from regulators and the Scottish Government. In September, we carried out a fact- finding visit to Oban, where we held a community engagement event, visited a marine research facility and went to see a local fish farm.”
“Last year, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dealt with 133 serious wildfire incidents between March and June, including 10 in my constituency. Despite a small increase in the latest budget, Scotland’s national fire service has been cut to the bone, with cuts to firefighter numbers and fire engines, and stations being brought to their knees, according to the Fire Brigades Union. In the light of the impact of climate change in rural areas, does the First Minister agree that additional resources need to be made available? What action is he taking regarding the “extreme” risk of wildfire warning that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued for low-lying areas in Scotland, including south-west Scotland, for this weekend?”
“Sometimes, however, the threats to industry come from closer to home. Recently, an application was lodged with the UK Government for the provision of geographical indication status for English whisky. That has caused the industry real concern over the watering down of the definition of single malt. Although geographical indications are a reserved area, they are a highly coveted signifier of quality and provenance.”
“Given that we have limited control over those risks, it is more important than ever that we work with the sector and other Governments to ensure that, while the sector is supported to grow sustainably, we carefully consider our food security and, at a minimum, do not unintentionally reduce it. That must be recognised as a priority at all levels of Government, in order to get ahead of the curve and bake in the right choices. If we do not do that, we could inadvertently reduce the availability, affordability, quality or stability of our national food supply. That is why, recently, I brought the issue to the Cabinet, so that it could consider how food security and food system resilience can be part of the agenda in every portfolio across the Scottish Government. That work is on-going.”
“Food resilience and food security are not something that we can achieve alone. In June 2024, I hosted an international food summit, gathering representatives from key international organisations and Scottish stakeholders to discuss the role of local solutions in addressing international problems. That summit was hugely successful, and those who attended were keen to continue that engagement. To that end, later this year, we will host a conference to focus on Scotland’s research and evidence on food security and invite exchange to foster those relationships. Scotland is eager to play its part and show leadership in international efforts to tackle issues that affect food systems.”
“Given what we heard from farming stakeholders and members of the agriculture reform implementation oversight board in last week’s Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, which suggested that the Scottish Government did not speak the language of farmers, and given the real concerns about the progress that has been made, what faith should we have in any policies as we go forward? Mairi Gougeon: We are intent on working with our farmers and crofters on developing future policy. I understand that some people would like us to go further and faster, but we are only in the position that we are in because we are trying to get things right. In working with our key partners, we are making good progress. It is certainly a lot better than the travesties that are emerging down south.”
“This week, a cross-party group of MSPs met the Galloway community hospital action group to further discuss the real concerns surrounding maternity services in Dumfries and Galloway. Despite the warm, but empty, words from health ministers, action still has not been taken to ensure that women do not have to travel 70 miles to give birth. Will the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care join me and the other MSPs in the cross-party group in visiting Stranraer to hear the concerns of constituents there?”
“I know that she has previously met the individuals that he has mentioned, and I am confident that she would be more than happy to meet them again in order to hear about the latest developments and work out solutions. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I note that Karen Adam is not in the chamber to ask question 8, so I cannot call it. That is disappointing. I expect an explanation and an apology from the member. I also note that the opening speaker in the debate on single-sex spaces in the public sector, which is the next item of business, is not in the chamber. Unfortunately, I will have to suspend the meeting briefly until the situation changes. 14:46 Meeting suspended. 14:48 On resuming— Single-sex Spaces (Public Sector)”
“Yesterday, a cross-party group of MSPs met the Galloway community hospital action group, which raised concerns about the lack of maternity services in the west of the region, leaving women having to travel more than 70 miles to give birth. Will the minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care agree to meet members of the community action group in order to discuss their concerns about the decision that has been taken by the integration joint board? Maree Todd: The member’s question relates to maternity services, rather than gynaecology. I defer to the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health on that, as she can give him a fuller answer.”
“The minister will agree that a fit-for- purpose information technology system is critical to the delivery of agricultural support schemes. Today at the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, we heard concerns from a range of agricultural stakeholders that the current IT system puts future schemes at risk. Can the minister tell Parliament how much is spent annually on IT developers, programmers and maintenance for the rural sector? Jim Fairlie: The member will be well aware that we will deliver the schemes within the current capabilities. If he has specific questions, he can write to me, and we will give him specific numbers back. Seagulls 3.”
“A significant reason for that uncertainty is the on-going constitutional grievance that this nationalist SNP Government continues to peddle in ridiculous debates such as this. I suggest that both the UK Government and the Scottish Government would do well to follow the example set by the previous Conservative UK Government if they want to see the Scottish economy grow and high-growth sectors continue to prosper. 15:50”
“The SNP Government’s motion focuses on regional investment and risks creating division that pits different parts of the UK against one another, which is par for the course for the nationalist Government. Instead of fostering unity and collaboration, the motion leads only to a fragmented approach to economic development. We must remember that the strength of the UK economy lies in its diversity and interconnectivity. By working together and sharing resources, we can achieve a more balanced and prosperous economy for all. The latest survey carried out by South of Scotland Enterprise, which involved more than 600 businesses, revealed that the biggest challenge facing them is economic uncertainty, which is influencing some decisions around investment and growth.”
“It is also hoped that the Stranraer and Cairnryan area could capitalise on the Northern Ireland enhanced investment zone, which aims to provide grants and tax breaks to the region. Again, that is an initiative of the previous UK Government. It is crucial to recognise that Scotland already enjoys significant autonomy in economic development. The Scottish Government has the power to tailor policies and investment to suit the unique needs of the Scottish economy. That autonomy allows Scotland to leverage its strength in sectors such as renewable energy, life sciences and fintech, and it should ensure that those industries receive the attention and support that they deserve.”
“The late First Minister Alex Salmond promised £8 million of investment in Stranraer during a visit to the then new port at Cairnryan, and in 2016, the former minister and MSP for the South of Scotland, Aileen McLeod, committed to prioritising the A75 and A77 before losing her seat. Regrettably, those election promises have failed to materialise and, despite more recent, similar, promises from the SNP Government, they will happen only after a funding commitment made by the UK Conservative Government during the previous parliamentary session. Some £18 million will now be spent regenerating the underused waterfront at Stranraer to create a vibrant marine leisure destination, mostly thanks to funding for the Borderlands inclusive growth deal, which totals £450 million.”
“Often dubbed the forgotten or ignored corner of Scotland, the south-west benefited enormously under the previous UK Government, particularly through the levelling up scheme, under which projects in Scotland shared £122 million in funding. Indeed, nearly £23 million was invested in the south of Scotland, while an additional £14 million will go towards improving transport links in Dumfries and Galloway, the provision of new electric vehicle charging points for cars and electric buses, and the creation of new transport hubs in five towns in the region. In previous rounds of the levelling up scheme, £343 million was earmarked for Scotland, meaning that a total of £465 million has been allocated. In addition, 12 projects in Dumfries and Galloway benefited from £3 million as part of the UK shared prosperity fund.”
“It was only under the Conservatives that £8 million was allocated to the A75 on the back of Sir Peter Hendy’s connectivity review. Incidentally, the Scottish National Party Government refused to take part in that review, unlike the other devolved Administrations and, indeed, the Republic of Ireland. The review highlighted the importance of the A75 out of all the roads in the UK. Although, commendably, Labour remains committed to improving the A75, the party has trimmed down the initial investment to £5 million, which I suppose is better than nothing, particularly considering the SNP Government’s lack of investment, despite infrastructure being a devolved matter.”
“I ask members to forgive me but, like my colleague Murdo Fraser, I will not be shouting from the rafters about the performance of the current Labour Government, which is woeful. Its pre- election promises are simply turning to dust, which is a great pity, given the vital role that the UK Government plays in supporting the Scottish economy—or it certainly did when the previous Conservative Government was in power. As Craig Hoy has already mentioned—and, no doubt, as members will be aware—I have been campaigning relentlessly for the upgrading of the A75 and A77. Those are two of the most critical roads in the country and are responsible for transporting more than £6 billion-worth of trade between the UK and Ireland and beyond every year. Since devolution, investment in those roads has, sadly, been neglected by the Scottish Government.”
“As we all know, throughout the centuries, Scotland has produced an army of great inventors whose boundless imagination and inspiration have set us apart from everybody else. Scots are responsible for the television, penicillin, tidal energy, turbines and Dolly the sheep, and let us not forget the telephone or the regrettable deep- fried Mars bar, ATMs, daily disposable contact lenses, the blast furnace, the steam hammer and threshing machines, to name but a few inventions. Scotland has always been at the forefront of world-class innovation. I agree that we must do all that is in our power to ensure that that amazing trend continues, which means that greater resources must be found for the education sector and our colleges and universities, where groundbreaking ideas are spawned and, I hope, ultimately brought to life.”
“To ask the Scottish Government how the total funding that it has provided for local government has changed over the last decade in real terms and as a proportion of total spending. (S6O-04393)”
“A failure to bring the regulations into force would risk undermining that progress and the efforts and work of many of our farmers and crofters, who are already undertaking the improvements that we are asking for. I reassure members that we are committed to continuing to support our farmers and crofters so that they continue to deliver for sustainable food production, nature and climate—and to ensure our thriving rural communities. The Presiding Officer: The question on the motion will be put at decision time. Decision Time 17:36”
“Given that we are looking at the SSI today, does the minister agree that the co-design of the policies is not working? At this late stage, we are still hearing real concerns from our crofters and smaller farmers. Jim Fairlie: No. As I said to Mr Carson in a meeting of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, I do not agree with that, because we have co-designed with the crofting community and the rest of the farming community. They were part of the steering group that delivered the SSI that we are considering today. The SSI marks a significant point in our progress towards becoming a world leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture, and it is right that we must expect more from those who are in receipt of public funds and support on the journey.”
“I want Scotland to become a hub for clean, green and cheap renewable energy. I want a just transition for the north-east. I want Aberdeen to become the net zero capital of the world. I want my constituents to no longer struggle to heat their homes. That is what I want, and the way to realise that is through a renewable future. 16:01”
“Will the member take an intervention? Jackie Dunbar: Can I speak? I am aware that I have only 10 seconds left—[Interruption.] Mr Kerr, you may laugh, but I have taken your intervention and I have taken Mr Whitfield’s. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Speak through the chair. I can give you a little extra time for the interventions, Ms Dunbar. Jackie Dunbar: Thank you. As I said, if folk truly believe in nuclear power, they would want a plant in their areas, and I am grateful to Mr Whitfield for owning his point of view. I remind members that, as Mr Stewart said, nuclear power stations need pylons to carry electricity. I believe that it was the former Tory Government that denied us the opportunity to have power lines going underground, because that would have cost far too much money.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I was unable to connect; I would have voted no. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Carson. We will ensure that that is recorded. [Interruption.]”
“Rural property has also been targeted, with even the lead on roofs being up for grabs, while bicycles, quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles are proving to be high on the hit list. In a bid to counter the rise in crime in Scotland, the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime has been set up to prevent and tackle rural crime, particularly the increasing threat that is posed by serious organised crime gangs throughout Scotland. The multi-agency approach intends to be more visible and to understand local and national concerns. I thank all the parties represented in the chamber tonight. I believe that they will support Rachael Hamilton’s proposed bill that aims to prevent the theft and resale of stolen equipment and machinery in Scotland. 17:42”
“It is worth mentioning that the cost of GPS theft has escalated sharply to more than £0.5 million. GPS is sophisticated equipment that is used to guide farm vehicles as they plough or seed, and it typically costs more than £10,000. As we have heard, apart from the obvious financial loss, equipment theft gives farmers the additional headache of delays and disruption to subsequent harvesting and cultivation work. It is therefore clear that robust action is needed to assist the farming fraternity in any way, given that farmers do not exactly have their problems to seek at the moment—I will not even touch on the inheritance tax plans tonight. According to the general rule of thumb used by thieves and criminal gangs, if it is not securely bolted down, it is there for the taking.”
“In my Galloway and West Dumfries constituency, we have witnessed a number of thefts, which is possibly down to the fact that the ports at Cairnryan make it easier for criminals to get equipment out of the country to destinations across Europe. I recently met Superintendent Andrew Huddleston from the national rural crime unit, and he told me that Russia is becoming one of the favoured haunts for black-market agricultural vehicles, either to be used as spares or even to work on the land because of the trade restrictions that are in place. He also said that criminals are becoming more sophisticated and organised, and thieves have been known to target several farms in one area in one night, using GPS to locate high-value equipment such as tractors and combine harvesters.”
“Sadly, in the current climate of a sharp rise in inflation, it is becoming all too attractive for individuals and organised gangs to turn to crime in order to make a fast and easy profit. Regrettably, as we have heard, there has been a meteoric 35 per cent increase in rural crime in Scotland. It now costs the UK more than £53 million, with farm equipment and machinery proving to be a hugely attractive target for thieves. That is why the members’ business debate that my Scottish Conservative colleague Rachael Hamilton has brought to the chamber is of vital importance, and I thank her for doing so. I whole- heartedly support her call for legislation in Scotland to tackle agricultural machinery and vehicle thefts, as it is becoming abundantly clear that tougher measures are needed if we are to break the vicious cycle.”
“Crime in any form is abhorrent and distressing, especially for the victim, whether it is an individual, a family or a business. I must touch on Christine Grahame’s comments about the fact that a lot of crimes in rural areas are committed where people are on their own or at the end of long farm roads, with the police response often being miles away. Even neighbours might be far away. The police response in rural areas is often far too similar to that in urban areas. I have reported strange vehicles at the end of the road on which I live, which is quite remote, and the response that I get from the 101 number is less than helpful. A strange car at the end of a street in Glasgow is not the same as a strange car at the bottom of a rural driveway, and we need to appreciate that there are differences, as Rhoda Grant touched on.”
“Right from the start, I have always been keen to emphasise that, if a proposal were to go ahead, it must recognise the nature that is so unique to Galloway, which is so important for agriculture in our country. I offer Finlay Carson the assurance that we recognise the importance of our dairy sector, and particularly how important it is in the south of Scotland. The Deputy Presiding Officer: We have strayed a little from the substantive question. Let us see whether we can get back.”
“Dairy is a major contributor to the food and drink industry. The dairy sector must not be compromised; it must be able to grow and to deliver food security and net zero. There is an area in Dumfries and Galloway that has the biggest potential in the world to produce net zero milk with no embedded water. Whatever the decision on the national park will be, will the minister protect south-west dairy farming as a national asset? Mairi Gougeon: Absolutely. I agree with Finlay Carson on that. We are agreeing with the Tories on quite a number of points today, especially in recognition of the importance of our dairy sector in the south of Scotland. Finlay Carson will be aware that the consultation on the national park closed on 14 February. We will analyse the results of that and look at it quite closely.”
“Finlay Carson: Skipinnish’s lyrics resonate deeply with our inshore fishermen and their current plight. They are witnessing their livelihoods being eroded. Let us honour that heritage by ensuring that the policies that we make reflect the importance of preserving our inshore waters— The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Carson. I invite Mairi Gougeon to respond to the debate. 18:24”
“When it comes to the next election, I can assure the cabinet secretary that the good people of Galloway will not forget being told that they are not a priority. I realise that my time is up, so I will conclude. The Government’s current approach undermines the fishing industry’s sustainability and its trust in the Government. The Government must prioritise collaboration, evidence-based decision making and the long-term viability of the fishing sector in its policies. Skippinish, a band that is famous for its anti- highly protected marine area protest song “The Clearances Again”, captures the spirit of coastal life. It poignantly reminds us that “The sea is our lifeblood, our heritage, our home.” Skipinnish’s lyrics— The Deputy Presiding Officer: You need to conclude.”
“The cabinet secretary is very aware of examples of failure in the current system. Last night, I met local fishing stakeholders whose livelihoods and futures are at risk, including members of the Galloway static gear fishermen’s association, for whom I helped to force a U-turn on a misguided ban on fishing for berried hen lobsters. We have a cabinet secretary who has also failed to act on a potential multimillion-pound boost for the economy of Dumfries and Galloway from a boat-based cockle fishery. Independently verified stock assessments, impact assessments, RSPB Scotland approval and compliance and funding models have all been delivered on a plate to the marine directorate, but it has turned a blind eye to the opportunity because it is not a national priority.”
“We need a Government that is focused on adapting to changing environmental conditions rather than on attempts to restore undefined baselines. The development of the national marine plan 2 is another area of concern. The existing plan, which was never properly implemented, is being replaced with a new plan that overemphasises the climate and nature crises, placing them above socioeconomic needs. That imbalance could lead to a social crisis, as the long-term importance of producing food from Scotland’s seas is not adequately recognised. We must ensure that the NMP2 supports sustainable fishing practices and does not impose blanket spatial management approaches that could harm the fishing industry. The inshore fisheries management improvement project is a response to the lack of investment and robust data in managing inshore fisheries.”
“If the whole-site approach is extended to inshore MPAs and priority marine features, it will have profound negative implications for the fishing fleet, contradicting the principle of sustainable use that was promised. The Government’s sudden prioritisation of habitat restoration, including marine environments, lacks a solid evidence base and clear objectives. Restoration efforts are being rushed without proper consideration of baseline conditions and potential unintended effects, and the feasibility of projects is put at risk. The approach also risks exacerbating the spatial squeeze on the fishing industry that Douglas Ross touched on, and it prioritises theoretical impacts over scientifically validated outcomes.”
“That industry is not only an economic cornerstone for many coastal communities but a vital part of our cultural heritage and identity. Despite the threat that the industry faces, the response from the Scottish Government has been insufficient. More often than not, the policies that are meant to safeguard and enhance our seas lack the necessary scope to be effective. The recent consultation on fisheries management measures in offshore marine protected areas included the late addition of the whole-site approach. That was not part of the initial collaborative discussions and has put a significant dent in the industry’s trust in the Government. The approach is disproportionate and offers minimal environmental benefits while imposing significant costs on the fishing sector.”
“I thank Beatrice Wishart for bringing the debate to the chamber today. It is disappointing that the Scottish Government has not held a debate on fisheries for more than three years. The annual debate used to be an opportunity to praise our fishers and to recognise their efforts and the sacrifices that they make as they take to our hostile seas to put food on the table. Celebrating our fishing sector is a good enough reason for the Scottish Government to have a debate, but its failure to hold one also prevents the Parliament from effectively holding it to account. The issues that our fishing industry faces have been overlooked for far too long, particularly the failure to protect our inshore fishing industry.”
“Will the member give way? Ariane Burgess: I have heard that we are short on time and I want to conclude my points, but I thank the member for trying. We need to address all those things and design a holistic system that works for Scotland’s seas, taking inspiration from existing schemes in neighbouring countries, such as England’s inshore fisheries and conservation authorities. Above all, we must remember that wanting the best for our marine environment underpins fishing, as our environment is essential for fishing’s future. 18:10”
“To ask the Scottish Government what lessons have been learned following the travel disruption and other impacts as a result of storm Éowyn. (S6O-04313)”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Clare Haughey on behalf of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee. 16:07”
“At a round-table session with forestry stakeholders earlier this month, Scottish Woodlands told the committee: “We need certainty from targets that do not shift and budgets that do not change”, and that “strong Government targets and strong Government support for the sector are things that drive people here to deploy capital.”—[Official Report, Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, 15 January 2025; c 6.] The cabinet secretary responded: “now that there has been an increase in funding, we can continue on a positive trajectory and rebuild confidence in the sector, so that it can continue to plan and invest.”— [Official Report, Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, 22 January 2025; c 38.] The committee will look to next year’s budget for evidence that the Scottish Government will deliver a positive trajectory of funding for the sector and, indeed, for the portfolio as a whole.”
“After the massive cut to the forestry budget in last year’s budget, the committee sought reassurance that the comparatively modest increases to the woodland grants budget would restore confidence in the sector and help to meet tree-planting targets.”
“The cabinet secretary told the committee: “there is a spending review coming up, and, if that were to result in more multiyear certainty, I would look to provide the same as soon as we were in a position to do so.”— [Official Report, Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, 22 January 2025; c 27.] The committee also asked about the status of the £46 million that is owed to the agriculture budget from previous years, as well as the additional funding that the Bew review recommended. The committee understands that the funding that is owed will be used through the agricultural transformation fund over two years. The committee will follow up with the cabinet secretary and the minister on how that funding has been spent as we scrutinise the implementation of the new agriculture support schemes.”
“The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands informed the committee that greater co-management of fisheries policy with stakeholders would be driven by the Scottish Government inshore fisheries management improvement programme. The committee will take evidence on that programme next week and will monitor those developments. I turn to other budget lines. Regarding agriculture funding, the committee echoed calls from stakeholders for multiyear funding from the Scottish Government for farmers and crofters. The UK Government no longer ring fences agriculture funding. That change could give the Scottish Government scope to look at multiyear funding commitments, especially as the rural support plan takes a multiyear approach.”
“Some stakeholders felt that the organisational status of the directorate had impacted its ability to provide objective, impartial advice and limited its capacity to leverage additional funding through commissioned research. The committee saw for itself the condition of the directorate’s laboratories in Aberdeen, which was far from ideal and was potentially having an impact on scientists’ ability to conduct research effectively. Stakeholders also raised concerns about the inadequate resources for the directorate to conduct effective enforcement, ensure compliance and develop co-managed structures with stakeholders through regional inshore fisheries groups.”
“For that reason, and after hearing stakeholders’ concerns about several fisheries- related statutory instruments, the committee decided to focus on the budget allocations for marine management by the marine directorate. The marine directorate’s budget for 2025-26 has decreased by £3.4 million in cash terms. That follows a cut of £4.8 million last year. The committee heard from fisheries stakeholders that the cuts are having a negative impact on the directorate’s capacity to undertake scientific research and that, due to decreased resources, fisheries research has declined over the past decade, which is in contrast to the position of equivalent institutions in the UK and internationally.”
“On the presentation of the budget, in previous years, the baseline for comparison was the figure from the previous budget, but, for this year’s budget, the 2024-25 baseline figure is presented after the autumn budget revision adjustments, which presents a challenge in scrutinising budget trends. Nevertheless, it is notable that the resource budget for the rural affairs and islands portfolio shows a cut regardless of the baseline that is used. I am sure that other committees have experienced how challenging the year-round approach to financial scrutiny is, given the pressures of bills and other legislation on committee time.”
“From that observation alone, it is not clear how the budget will support the Scottish Government’s stated ambitions when it comes to supporting rural and island communities, especially given the need to transition to the new agriculture support schemes this year. Shona Robison: I appreciate what the committee convener is saying, but it is important to put on the record that the substantial increase in capital funding was in response to the sector saying that it would rather have the transformation money in capital funding than in resource funding. We have to look at funding in the round. Finlay Carson: I will provide more clarity as I make my contribution.”