Minutes: 07 January 2026

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to review evidence on the Draft Climate Change Plan in private at item 3 and at future meetings.

2. Draft Climate Change Plan:

The Committee took evidence from—

Professor Roxane Andersen, Theme leader, Peatlands, University of the Highlands and Islands;

Dr Emma Hinchliffe, Director, IUCN UK Peatland Programme;

Peter Hutchinson, Head of Peatland Programme and Strategy, NatureScot;

Dr Emily Taylor, Director, Crichton Carbon Centre;

Hanna Wheatley, Senior Economist, Future Economy Scotland;

and then from—

Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive, Confor;

David Robertson, Director of Investment and Business Development, Scottish Woodlands;

Willie McGhee, Board Member, Community Woodlands Association;

Jo Ellis, Head of Planning and Environment, Forestry and Land Scotland;

and then from—

Dr Alessandro Gimona, Senior Landscape Scientist and Dr Ruth Mitchell, Biodiversity and Ecosystems Group Leader, James Hutton Institute ;

Alan McDonnell, Convener of LINK’s Woodlands Group, Scottish Environment LINK;

Dr Mike Perks, Principal Scientist, Climate Change, Forest Research.

Edward Mountain declared an interest as a farmer in Moray and as a recipient of the Woodland Grants Scheme 3. 

Ariane Burgess indicated she was a member of the Community Woodlands Association. 

3. Draft Climate Change Plan (In private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.