Parliamentary questions
Rachael Hamilton
1,432 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
25 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the statement in its news release on 6 August 2021 that fish farming is "an essential part of our green recovery and transition to net zero", what its position is on whether this statement (a) prejudges the external review of the regulatory process involved in fish farming, …
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: The 2017-18 parliamentary inquiries on Salmon Farming in Scotland; and the Salmon Interactions Working Group report of 2020 highlighted the challenges which the sector faces and the need for improved efficiency and regulatory change. We are committed to movi…
25 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the 2018 report by the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, Salmon Farming in Scotland, which states "that if the industry is to grow, the 'status quo' in terms of regulation and enforcement is not acceptable" and that "urgent and meaningful action needs to be taken to …
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: We do not support the halting of further expansion of salmon farming. The 2018 report by the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, Salmon Farming in Scotland , noted calls for a moratorium on new salmon farm developments and expansion of existing sides, b…
25 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the terms of reference of the external review of the regulatory process involved in fish farming, to be conducted by Professor Russel Griggs.
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: The Terms of Reference for the independent review is available on the Scottish Government website at: Aquaculture: external review of the current regulatory processes involved in fish farming - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
25 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how the external review of the regulatory process involved in fish farming, to be conducted by Professor Russel Griggs, fits in with the (a) 2018 report by the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, Salmon Farming in Scotland, and (b) work of the technical working group of statutory b…
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: We asked the Salmon Interactions Working Group to consider the conclusions of the 2018 report by the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, Salmon Farming in Scotland , and to provide recommendations on a future interactions approach. As committed to in t…
25 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to its news release on 6 August 2021 regarding the review's commencement, what (a) the first phase and (b) any subsequent phases of the external review of the regulatory process involved in fish farming will entail.
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: An overview of the expected phases of the external review of the current regulatory processes involved in fish farming can be found on the Scottish Government website at: Aquaculture: external review of the current regulatory processes involved in fish farmi…
25 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish details of the selection process for the appointment of Professor Russel Griggs to undertake the external review of the regulatory process involved in fish farming.
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: Professor Russel Griggs is already appointed by the Scottish Ministers as the Chair of the Regulatory Review Group which considers regulation, finds ways of improving the regulatory system, advises Ministers on all aspects of Better Regulation and acts as an …
12 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the role of the agricultural sector in helping reduce carbon emissions, and what discussions it has had with farmers and farming organisations on this issue.
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: Sustainable agriculture in Scotland has a vital role in producing high quality food for the nation, helping to reduce carbon emissions, delivering wider environmental benefits and improved biodiversity, and ensuring we use appropriate land to allow us to meet…
12 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has plans to set up any steering groups or taskforces within the rural affairs portfolio and, if so, what they will focus on.
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: As part of the Scottish Government’s 100 Days commitments within the portfolio of the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, we have established:the Agriculture Reform Implementation Oversight Board which will contribute to the Scottish Government’s…
12 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the findings in the report, Farming for 1.5C: From here to 2045, what approach it plans to take to land-use management, and whether, in future, land-use management will be part of the farm policy agenda.
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: The Climate Change Plan update provides a pathway to transform farming and food production in Scotland and to optimise land use. In 2021, we are piloting Regional Land Use Partnerships, which aim to facilitate collaboration between local and national governme…
12 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide details of its biodiversity targets.
Answer · Lorna Slater: The Scottish Government is committed to action to protect biodiversity and to the effective monitoring of progress towards this goal. We are working to meet the commitments set out within the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, 2004 - 2020, and are aligned to the…
12 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will trial agroforestry pilot schemes, in light of the findings in the report, Farming for 1.5C: From here to 2045.
Answer · Mairi McAllan: Through Scotland’s Third Land Use Strategy 2021-2026 , we have set out our vision, and objectives to deliver multiple benefits through sustainable productive mixed land-use, including forestry and farming. To achieve our vison, we will continue to support the…
12 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on providing more funding opportunities for young farmers and new entrants, in light of the recommendations in the report, Farming for 1.5C: From here to 2045.
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: We recognise that Scottish agriculture will continue to need skilled and innovative young new entrant farmers. Pathways to entry will remain available through our Farming Opportunities for New Entrants programme and our Land Matching Service. Whilst the Natio…
12 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will continue the Suckler Beef Climate Scheme (SBCS), in light of the findings in the report, Farming for 1.5C: From here to 2045.
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: We are committed to supporting our world-class producers thrive whilst contributing to our world-leading climate change agenda and response to the biodiversity crisis. The concept of a Suckler Beef Climate Scheme (SBCS) was one output of the Farmer Led Group…
12 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of its current forestry targets, in light of the specific recommendations in the report, Farming for 1.5C: From here to 2045.
Answer · Mairi McAllan: In December 2020, the Scottish Government published an Update to the Climate Change Plan 2018-2032, which sets out the Scottish Government's pathway to our new and ambitious targets set by the Climate Change Act 2019 . In the development of this update, the S…
12 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of recommendation 15 in the report, Farming for 1.5C: From here to 2045, which states that "The carbon in Scotland’s soils should not be traded until further notice".
Answer · Mairi McAllan: The main regulated, compulsory carbon pricing market in the UK is the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Agriculture and land-use emissions are not covered by the current scope of the UK ETS. The carbon in Scotland’s deep peat soils is however being traded throu…
12 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will implement recommendation 11 in the report, Farming for 1.5C: From here to 2045, which states that "There should be a public interest test applied if more than 50% of a holding is planned to be afforested".
Answer · Mairi McAllan: Scotland already has robust assessment processes in place to support decisions regarding woodland creation proposals on agricultural land. This approach is based on the findings of The Woodland Expansion Advisory Group (WEAG). This group was established to pr…
12 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide assistance to Scottish research and innovation bodies to implement recommendation six in the report, Farming for 1.5C: From here to 2045, which states that "The Board should establish a farmers’ advisory panel to act as a reference group for the Strategic Research…
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: The Scottish Government published its Strategy for Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research in March 2021 which sets out future research priorities and governance arrangements. This was informed by extensive consultation including within the ag…
12 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to reform the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS), in light of the findings in the report, Farming for 1.5C: From here to 2045, and whether it plans to allocate additional funding to the scheme.
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: We know how important agri-environment support is to farmers and crofters in helping them to deliver a wide range of environmental measures. That is why we have prioritised agri-environment support in the face of significant cuts to the budget resulting from …
12 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its assessment is of recommendation eight in the report, Farming for 1.5C: From here to 2045, which states that "From 2024, Scottish Government should introduce emissions reduction contracts across all farm types underpinned by a management plan that fits their system and its future…
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: We have committed to shift half of all funding for farming and crofting to conditional support by 2025, which will see farmers and crofters rewarded for their key role in delivering wider biodiversity and environmental benefits. Scotland will continue to pro…
12 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to develop further farm policy, in light of the findings in the report, Farming for 1.5C: From here to 2045, pointing to an urgent need for forward planning.
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: We have established the Agriculture Reform Implementation Oversight Board which will contribute to the Scottish Government’s work to implement policy reform to cut emissions across agriculture, support the production of sustainable, high quality food, and des…
12 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the 15 recommendations in the report, Farming for 1.5C: From here to 2045; whether it plans to implement any of them, and, if so, within what timeframe.
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: The Scottish Government welcomes the Farming for 1.5 report and will consider the recommendations carefully along with the other reports recently received, including the five farming sector farmer-led groups. We have established the Agriculture Reform Implem…
6 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to introduce a statutory ban on the use of snares.
Answer · Mairi McAllan: Snaring is reviewed every 5 years under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the next review is due to be completed by December 2021. The Scottish Government will consider any recommendations from the review and will take further action if necessary, inc…
5 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the resignation from the Short-Term Lets Stakeholder Working Group of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, the Scottish Bed and Breakfast Association, Airbnb and the UK Short Term Accommodation Association.
Answer · Shona Robison: The Scottish Government considers regulation of short term lets to be vital in balancing the needs and concerns of residents and communities with wider economic and tourism interests. Mr Stewart, the then Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, a…
4 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to update the Soil Monitoring Action Plan to establish national baseline data for future testing and monitoring.
Answer · Mairi McAllan: In recognition of the importance of monitoring our soils, the Scottish Government, through the Rural and Environment Science Analytical Services (RESAS), is evaluating proposals for a systematic soil monitoring framework for Scotland to begin April 2022.
4 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to develop an updated Scottish Organic Action Plan, to build upon that set out for 2016-20.
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: We are supportive of ensuring the organics sector, as part of the wider Scottish agriculture industry, contributes fully to our Ambition 2030 strategy to grow our food and drink industry. We have committed to doubling the amount of land used for organic farm…
4 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made with the Ernst & Young (EY) review of (a) the ferry network and (b) whether the tripartite transport policy infrastructure for ferries is fit for purpose, and by what date the findings will be published.
Answer · Graeme Dey: The review of governance arrangements within the tripartite remains on track and will deliver a final report to Scottish Government around the end of the year. Ministers and Transport Scotland will then take time to fully consider the review findings and fur…
4 Aug 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of electric alternatives to the (a) current and (b) future ferry network.
Answer · Graeme Dey: The Scottish Government and Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd have investigated the options for utilising zero emission electric propulsion systems and found that the current commercially available technology is best suited to the smaller vessels. The Small Vess…
27 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on progress regarding its peatland restoration targets.
Answer · Mairi McAllan: The Scottish Government publishes updates on progress against its peatland restoration targets in its annual Climate Change Plan monitoring reports each May. The latest of these reports was published on 27 May 2021 and it is available at www.gov.scot/publica…
27 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the meeting of the Short-Term Lets Working Group on 18 February 2021, what its response is to the Society of Local Authority Lawyers and Administrators (SOLAR) estimate that the costs of short-term let licensing could be higher than those set out in the Scottish Government’s …
Answer · Shona Robison: Short-term lets can offer people a flexible and cheaper travel option, and have contributed positively to Scotland’s tourism industry and local economies across the country. However, we know that in certain areas, particularly tourist hot spots, high numbers …
27 Jul 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to its business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for its short-term let licensing scheme, how it calculated the average indicative fee for processing a short-term let licence application to be between £223 and £377.
Answer · Shona Robison: The assumptions behind, and calculations of, the average indicative fees for a short-term lets licence are set out in section F and Annex A of the draft Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment published for consultation on 25 June 2021. These fees are Scotl…