Chamber and committees

Thank you. I want to move on to a completely different subject. Two weeks ago, Glasgow hosted COP26 and was the centre of the international world. I am interested in hearing our witnesses’ reflections on the impact of COP26 on Scottish international development.

I will explore a bit more the education side and the connections across Europe and the diaspora. Professor Pittock talked about the two-way movement of students and, when I visited the Scottish Association for Marine Science in my constituency about 10 days ago, I was very struck by the impact on its student numbers. The Law Society of Scotland submission talked about broadening the horizons of our students and there is also the research side. I would like to hear further thoughts and reflections on how the Scottish Government can work to improve those links. Perhaps we can start with Dr Marks.

Yes, sorry.

Professor Pittock, do you have anything to add? You have already expanded on your views on education, but you might have something else to say.

I was building on Professor Pittock’s ideas about relationships and the sharing of knowledge. Would the other two witnesses like to comment?

Thank you. It is positive to hear that that work is going ahead. It is very important, not only from a legislation perspective, but in order to understand the legal and human rights aspects. From my previous background as an accountant, I also know the importance of keeping policies consistent across that area.

Dr Hughes, could you comment, please?

Thank you—

I thank the panel very much for their time. I have found their evidence to be very informative.

I suppose that this ties in with Dr Allan’s question, but I was struck by Andrew Bauer’s comments about the Danish example and the experiences of his Danish colleague, because it brought to mind a visit that I made to Sweden, where, again, the supermarkets very much put an emphasis on local produce. I also met a cattle farmer who had a particular butcher that he used, supplied the local school and, indeed, had lots of local connections.

What are the panel’s thoughts about making such links with schools and communities and on how we can keep produce local while still taking it out to a wider market? As a representative of a remote, rural and island constituency, I wonder how your ways of working can be replicated in such areas. After all, it is fair to say that one size does not necessarily fit all. I know of a farmer on Lismore who is doing a lot of regenerative work, but how do we ensure that your messages get out? People might not take such things lock, stock and barrel, but just the elements that will work in their areas.

I am not terribly sure what my question is, but I would like to get your thoughts on those comments.

Thank you. You made an important point.

David and Michael, do you have anything to add?

I have a quick supplementary question. You mentioned hedgerow creation, and I was thinking back to going for walks when I was growing up and how we got around farms by walking along the side of the hedge. We have not really touched on biodiversity today, and I am interested to hear your thoughts on how we encourage hedgerows to come back.