Chamber and committees

My concern in relation to an island impact assessment is that I believe that the regulations could have an impact.

The minister will be well aware that people have been talking for a long time about micro-abattoirs and the benefits—both animal welfare and economic—there would be if island communities, and smaller communities away from markets, were able to have abattoirs. They would be able to sell their own meat locally, the tourism industry would benefit, because there would be local produce available, and people could sell online. It would make for a huge economic boost.

Anything that adds to not only the cost but the bureaucracy of the process pushes all those things further and further away, and my concern is that the regulations might do that. They might just add another hurdle to get over. I am not suggesting for one moment that we are making great progress with having abattoirs—in fact, some that we have are already under threat—but the regulations could, first of all, dispense with those that are there and, secondly, stop us from getting others.

Do you have a timescale for that?

It would be good to get some information, because we are also hearing from industry that that is causing problems for it.

Rachael Hamilton talked about marine science being an outlier in Scotland with regard to publications. It is also an outlier internationally because it is not independent of Government. Is the current structure of marine science appropriate? Does it have sufficient resources and is it independent enough? Dr Robin Cook said to the committee:

“In laboratories across Europe and, indeed, in North America, science is managed at arm’s length from Government. The perception among other scientists is that those are more independent organisations. There is a lack of trust among people outside Government in Government science, because of the fear that it is being manipulated or influenced unduly.”—[Official Report, Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, 4 September 2024; c 23.]

How would you respond to that?

When the committee visited the marine lab, we found it pretty grim, to be fair. We were at the Scottish Association for Marine Science on Monday, and the contrast with the working conditions of the marine lab staff could not have been greater. When do you expect to provide a solution to the simple building issues that are hampering people’s access to equipment and science?

Okay. That was not our understanding.

Obviously, not having access to some labs will have an impact on marine science. What impact is it having?

It does not concern you that output seems to be in decline compared to that of other international institutions.

I hear what you are saying, but it is surprising to me that the staff are able to publish anything, having seen the conditions that they are working in. I find it concerning that you do not think that there is an issue there.

Why has it taken so long?

Will that have an impact? Will the money be spent in time, or will communities and local authorities lose out?