Minutes: 13 September 2023

1. Declaration of interests:

Murdo Fraser declared an interest as a member of the Law Society of Scotland. He declared an interest as the owner of two residential properties in Edinburgh from which he receives rental income and he also declare occasional book royalties.

Ash Regan and Kevin Stewart stated they had no relevant interests to declare.

Brian Whittle declared an interest as Director of small business consultancy.

2. Just Transition for the North East and Moray:

The Committee agreed to take item 5 in private.

3. Bankruptcy and Diligence (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee took evidence on the Bill at Stage 1 from—

Dr Alisdair MacPherson, Committee member of the Banking, Company & Insolvency Law sub-committee, The Law Society of Scotland;

David Menzies, Director of Practice, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland;

Katie McLachlan, Licensed Personal Insolvency Practitioner, R3 Insolvency & Restructuring;

Barry Mochan, Board Member, Insolvency Practitioners Association.

4. Bankruptcy and Diligence (Scotland) Bill(In Private):

The Committee decided to invite Mental Health Foundation to give evidence.

5. Just Transition for the North East and Moray (In Private):

Maggie Chapman declared an interest as a board member of NESCAN.

The Committee agreed its approach to the inquiry. It noted the arrangements for the external meeting in Aberdeen on 6 November and agreed to take forward arrangements for an informal engagement event and visit in Aberdeen.