Minutes: 25 October 2022

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 4 and 5 in private.

2. Environmental regulation:

The Committee took evidence from—

Jo Green, Acting Chief Executive, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA);

John Kerr, Operations Manager, Protected Areas, Innovation and Data, NatureScot;

Mark Roberts, Chief Executive, Environmental Standards Scotland.

Edward Mountain declared an interest in owning a 50% share of a rod and line salmon fishing business in Moray, operated by Delfur Fishings, in relation to water scarcity and water abstraction on the River Spey.

Edward Mountain declared an interest as a partner in Delfur Farms Farming Partnership, of Moray, a farming business with ancillary residential lettings, in relation to water scarcity and water abstraction on the River Spey.

3. Environmental Standards Scotland's Strategic Plan:

The Committee took evidence from—

Neil Langhorn, Head of Strategy and Analysis, Jim Martin, Chair and Mark Roberts, Chief Executive, Environmental Standards Scotland.

4. Environmental regulation (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2.

5. Environmental Standards Scotland's Strategic Plan (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 3.

The Committee agreed to consider the Scottish Government's response to Environmental Standards Scotland's recently laid Air Quality Investigation Improvement Report, once it is published.