Minutes: 14 January 2026

1. Draft Climate Change Plan:

The Committee took evidence from—

Nim Kibbler, Scotland Manager for Nature Friendly Farming Network, Scottish Agroecology Partnership;

Emma Patterson Taylor, Project Manager, Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society;

Lorna Scott, Senior Policy Manager for Climate, Land and Business, National Farmers Union Scotland;

Donna Smith, Chief Executive, Scottish Crofting Federation;

and then from—

Claire Daly, Head of Policy and Advocacy, WWF Scotland;

Dr Vera Eory, Scotland’s Rural College;

David McKay, Vice Convener of Food and Farming Group, Scottish Environment LINK;

Professor Dave Reay, University of Edinburgh.

 

Tim Eagle declared an interest as an owner of a small sheep and arable farm in Moray. 

Edward Mountain declared an interest as a farmer in Moray which is partly tenanted and includes a beef herd and mixed farming.

2. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instrument—

Conservation of Salmon (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/390)

The Committee agreed to make no recommendation in relation to the instrument.

3. Draft Climate Change Plan (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

4. Work programme (In Private):

The Committee considered its work programme.