Convener

*Maureen Watt (North East Scotland) (SNP)

Deputy convener

*John Scott (Ayr) (Con)

Committee members

*Karen Gillon (Clydesdale) (Lab)

*Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD)

*Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab)

*Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab)

*Stewart Stevenson (Banff and Buchan) (SNP)

*Bill Wilson (West of Scotland) (SNP)

Committee substitutes

Rhona Brankin (Midlothian) (Lab)

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD)

Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con)

Sandra White (Glasgow) (SNP)

The following also participated:

Bruce Beveridge (Scottish Government Rural and Environment Directorate)

Richard Lochhead (Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment)

Caroline Mair (Scottish Government Legal Services Directorate)

Clerk to the committee

Peter McGrath