Chamber and committees

For a variety of reasons, Hamish, I ask you to do this briefly, because I need to bring in Bob Doris and we also have a wee break coming up shortly.

I will bring in Bob Doris, who has a question on resourcing.

Before we leave that issue, I understand why some people might like to do that, but I am trying to understand who they are. Are we talking about the big organisations, the big charities, the environmental charities, or existing farmers? If it is existing farmers, something will be taken out of what may be a secure lease and put into an insecure lease on a short-term basis.

How many in a year are we talking about?

Bob Doris put his hand up. Do you want to come in briefly now, Bob, given that I want to—although this might be dangerous—give our witnesses the chance to have the final word? They might be able to address your question in their wrap-ups.

Is it five times—

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 brought in a different form of tenancy and that is valued in a different way, is it not?

A qualified “yes”, then, and a qualified response in relation to resumption perhaps being difficult.

Have I missed anyone out? Douglas Lumsden, do you have some questions before I continue?

Sorry. I missed that. I apologise. Go for it.

Of course, there is then the question of who is responsible for maintaining the fixed equipment. Is that the tenant’s responsibility or the landlord’s?