Chamber and committees

I did not take part in the scrutiny of the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill, but it appears from what you and Jackie McCreery have said that that definition could change over time, because practices change. Therefore, it makes sense to have the definition in a code or secondary legislation and to keep a watching eye on it. Does that not make sense?

It is a case of being damned by faint praise.

Mr Nicholson, I am not quite sure about the background to this, but you suggested that, if good husbandry is not being undertaken, there are set processes for remedies that the landlord can follow to achieve a resolution, but that if good estate management is not being undertaken, there is not an equitable or balanced process for tenants to address that. Is there anything more that the bill could do on that?

That is helpful. I think that NFU Scotland has commented on that area. Gemma, is there anything that you want to add? Is there anything missing that should be in the bill in order to get the balance correct?

Can I check what you are saying? Is it your position that you are content with the balance that is struck in the bill, but on the basis that the relevant provision in the 2016 act is brought forward?

Do you have any specific recommendations in that regard? This is a three-stage process, and we have stages 2 and 3 to come. Is there anything that is not in the bill that it would be advantageous to have in the bill?

That is helpful, Mr Ruskell. I suggest that we support the instrument, but that the committee should have an on-going role in due course to scrutinise the impact, which is important. Although Mr Ruskell and I may disagree on whether to support the instrument today, there is a common cause across the committee that this should not be a one-off act by the committee and that there should be on-going scrutiny.

On the basis that the committee will carry out on-going scrutiny, I am content.

For

Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP)
Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP)
Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con)
Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP)
Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con)

Against

Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green)

Abstentions

Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab)

Are we talking about a lack of clarity? Is that the issue? Are you content with the definition that is contained in the other bill, which was recently passed by the Parliament?

That is very helpful.

Do the other witnesses have comments on that?