Minutes: 06 October 2026

1. Decisions on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 3 and 4 in private.

2. Pre-Budget scrutiny – evidence:

The Committee took evidence as part of its scrutiny preceding the Scottish Government’s Budget 2027-28 from—

Stuart Black, Chief Executive, Highlands and Islands Enterprise;

Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive, Scottish Enterprise;

Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive, South of Scotland Enterprise;

and then from—

David Ritchie, Chief Executive and Jason McGibbon, Non-Executive Director, Scottish National Investment Bank.

3. Pre-Budget scrutiny – evidence (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard under agenda item 2.

4. Work programme (in private):

The Committee considered its work programme. The Committee agreed:

• its strategic objectives for Session 7
• to consider at future meetings its approach to work on the following topics: artificial intelligence, strategic energy planning, regional economic development, pre-legislative scrutiny in relation to heat in buildings and heat networks, non-domestic rates, youth employment, Grangemouth and the delivery of Project Willow, ScotWind
  
• to issue a joint call for views with the Climate Action Committee on the impacts of data centres, and agreed the draft call for views
  
• to seek regular written updates in relation to Alexander Dennis.