Donald MacKinnon

Answer · Jim Fairlie · 13 Jul 2026

Scotland’s food, farming, and marine sectors have been beset by a range of challenges in recent years – not least as a result of Brexit - and we know that there are increasing risks to Scotland’s food security, including from climate change and ongoing conflicts globally.Scotland’s National Adaptation Plan sets out the actions that the Scottish Government and partners are taking to respond to the impacts of climate change, and Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan sets out how water resources are managed during periods of scarcity, including for users in agriculture and food production.The Scottish Government’s Food Security Unit works closely across policy areas, with external partners and other UK nations to ensure food security concerns are reflected strategically. The unit also monitors overall food security in Scotland (including fertiliser, fuel and food supply) working closely with industry through our Food Sector Resilience Group to share intelligence, identify risks and support co-ordinated responses.Alongside this, the Scottish Government continues to support active farming and food production through direct payments, including bringing forward payment dates to support cash flow. The 2026-27 budget allocates more than £665 million for the purpose of supporting farmers, land managers, rural communities, and rural businesses.

Answer · Gillian Martin · 9 Jul 2026

In 2025 Scotland experienced the driest start to the year in more than 60 years, prompting enhanced monitoring and assessment activity by the Scottish Government, SEPA and Scottish Water.The Scottish Government supports a wide range of research on the impact of water scarcity. Its Strategic Research Programme (2022-2027) is modelling future drought risks and ecosystem service impacts using water abstraction data, while the Scottish Government funded Centre of Expertise for Waters is also investigating the ecological impact of water scarcity and the socio-economic water demand.The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) also undertakes assessments to evaluate the effects of licenced abstractions.Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan sets out how water resources are managed during periods of scarcity. The Scottish Government, SEPA and Scottish Water have established processes to monitor the situation and support those affected. SEPA’s actions include daily river level monitoring, publishing weekly water scarcity reports, providing water availability information to abstractors, issuing targeted advice, and engaging with key stakeholders.The Scottish Government also supports farmers in efficient water use through the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme. In 2026 this will continue to support the Water use Efficiency – Irrigation Lagoon option, helping businesses in targeted catchments to plan investment in water storage as part of longer-term resilience to water scarcity.

Answer · Jim Fairlie · 13 Jul 2026

We know that the impact of climate change means that summers in Scotland are likely to get drier which may impact summer water scarcity. As a result, it is vital that we take action both to limit further climate change and to adapt to the challenges it is already creating.Scotland’s National Adaptation Plan sets out the actions that the Scottish Government and partners are taking to respond to the impacts of climate change, and Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan sets out how water resources are managed during periods of scarcity - including for users in agriculture and food production.The Scottish Government supports farmers in efficient water management and to adapt to a changing climate, for example through the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme and through the Agricultural Reform Programme and monitors overall impacts on food production through the Food Security Unit.

Answer · Gillian Martin · 9 Jul 2026

This is an operational matter for Crown Estate Scotland. I have asked their Chief Executive, Ronan O’Hara, to respond to you directly.

Answer · Gillian Martin · 21 Jul 2026

Implementation of many measures in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 require secondary legislation and guidance, and will therefore be subject to Parliamentary business and timetabling. The timetable for implementation of the measures is being developed. I intend to write to the Convener of the Rural Affairs Committee to set out the planned timetable for implementation.