1. Declaration of interests:

Mark Ruskell was invited to declare any relevant interests. He indicated that he is an honorary associate member of the British Veterinary Association, has an entry on the Scottish Poultry Register and is a beekeeper.

2. Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee took evidence on the Bill at Stage 1 from—

Mark Lodge, Senior Planning and Strategies Officer, Argyll & Bute Council;

Grant Moir, Chief Executive Officer, Cairngorms National Park Authority;

Gordon Watson, Chief Executive Officer, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority.

3. Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill(In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.