Chamber and committees

I remind members of my entry in the register of members’ interests—I am on the roll of Scottish solicitors—in case that is relevant in today’s proceedings.

I have a question about smallholdings. Some stakeholders, such as the Scottish Crofting Federation, feel that small landholdings should be converted to crofts. Other respondents have said that there are equally good arguments for bringing these holdings under either crofting or agricultural holdings legislation. The Faculty of Advocates suggested last week that from the point of view of legal clarity it may be more helpful to wholly codify small landholdings legislation without leaving elements of the old legislation in force. Do you have any views on those points? Do you agree with the approach taken in the legislation as drafted or would another approach have been preferable?

Can you evidence that to the committee?

For clarity, when you refer to repeal, do you mean the repeal of section 99 of the 2016 act?

I saw you expressing some thoughts on this point, Gail Watt. I wonder if you want to verbalise them.

That is what I meant—apologies.

If it is within scope, do you see the bill as an opportunity to clarify that matter?

All I will add is that we will also, of course, seek the views of tenant farmers on those matters. Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you.

For the benefit of those who have not read your submission, could you tell us a bit more about what you think is good in the bill and how it could be strengthened?

The committee will need to examine those potential sources of evidence more carefully. I am conscious that I am taking up a lot of time, convener, so I will let our other two witnesses respond.