Chamber and committees

We need to stick to what the inquiry is about—the RECC recommendations that you are very familiar with—and not do a deep dive into too many specifics. That would be helpful.

We are looking at something like a £66 million positive impact in relation to employment, so that is not to be sniffed at in a rural area.

Thank you. We will move to questions from Emma Roddick.

I will bring in Alasdair Allan.

Can you make sure that you are not muted, Alasdair?

Yes.

I will round off this section. Do you believe that SEPA operates a robust enforcement system—yes or no?

This is not a new industry. This is not an innovative way to farm fish. This has been around for a long time. Surely, you should be in a position to say, in general, given the indicators you have suggested, whether fish welfare at Scottish fish farms is either improving or declining. What is your view on that right now?

Good morning and welcome to the 14th meeting in 2024 of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee. Before we begin, I remind those using electronic devices to please switch them to silent. We have received apologies from Rachael Hamilton and Ariane Burgess; I welcome Jamie Halcro Johnston and Mark Ruskell, who will be attending the meeting as substitutes. As this is Mark Ruskell’s first-time journey as a committee substitute, I invite him to declare any relevant interests.

Minister, we heard right through the evidence sessions, including from breeders, that there were dogs bred in Scotland that then travelled to race in GBGB tracks across the rest of the United Kingdom, so it is a fact.

Does that answer your question, Emma?