Minutes: 04 November 2026

1. Decisions on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 5 and 6 in private, and to consider a draft report on the Rural Support Plan in private at item 7 and future meetings.

2. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take consideration of committee objectives and its work programme in private at its next meeting.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the Scottish Land Commission (Number of Land Commissioners) Regulations 2026 (SSI 2026/284).

The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government and the Scottish Land Commission, and delegated the Convener responsibility for finalising the letter.

4. Outdoor access in Scotland – evidence:

The Committee took evidence from—

Dr Katrina Brown, Senior Researcher, James Hutton Institute;

Malcolm Combe, Reader in Law, University of Strathclyde;

Professor Peter Higgins, Environmental and Sustainability Education, University of Edinburgh; NatureScot Board Member.

5. Outdoor access in Scotland – review of evidence(In private):

The Committee reviewed the evidence heard under agenda item 4.

6. Pre-Budget Scrutiny(In private):

The Committee considered a draft letter to the Scottish Government and delegated the Convener responsibility for finalising the letter. 

7. Rural Support Plan – report(In private):

The Committee considered a draft report and agreed to review an updated version at a future meeting.