Minutes: 03 September 2026

1. Declaration of interests:

James Adams was invited to declare any relevant interests. He declared an interest as a councillor for Aberdeenshire Council.

2. Decisions on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 4, 5 and 6 in private.

3. Climate Action – evidence:

The Committee took evidence on priorities within the Committee's remit from—

Nick Halfhide, Chief Executive Officer, NatureScot;

Dan Paris, Director of Policy and Engagement, Scottish Environment LINK;

Nicole Paterson, Chief Executive, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA);

Wendy Kimpton, Director of Strategy and Regulation, Scottish Water;

Ciaran McGuigan, Chief Executive Officer, Zero Waste Scotland;

and then from—

Alison Cumming, Executive Director, Performance Audit & Best Value, Audit Scotland;

Dr Richard Dixon, Chair, Environmental Standards Scotland.

David Barratt declared an interest as a hydrologist.

4. Climate Action – consideration of evidence (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard under agenda item 3.

5. Pre-Budget scrutiny – approach (in private):

The Committee considered its approach to scrutiny preceding the Scottish Government’s Budget 2027-28. The Committee agreed to focus on the Joint Budget Review. It also agreed to write to the Scottish Government and to a list of witnesses to invite to give evidence. The Committee agreed to publish a report on its pre-budget scrutiny and that consideration of the draft report should be taken in private at future meetings.

The Committee agreed to consider an approach to consideration of public service reform at a future meeting.

6. Work programme (in private):

 

The Committee considered its work programme. It agreed to undertake an inquiry on data centres. The Committee agreed to consider an approach at its next meeting. The Committee also agreed to undertake work on wildfires and related issues and to consider an approach at a future meeting.