Chamber and committees

I am glad to hear that there has been some forward movement, however tentative. We are all aware of the news reports about fresh seafood rotting in the back of lorries, empty fish markets and boats tied up in harbour. That was upsetting for many people, so it is nice to hear some positivity.

Jimmy Buchan, I know that you have, rightly, been vocal about the issue of labour shortages, which is a massive problem here, on the north-east coast. However, what I really want to get to the bottom of and ask the panel about is the double whammy—it is something that we often hear about and I have used the phrase myself—of Brexit and Covid. For the benefit of the committee, can you clarify exactly what the Brexit issues are and what the Covid issues are? I think that knowing that is essential to enabling us to come up with targeted solutions. What should be prioritised that is within our gift with regard to labour shortages and haulage problems?

There has been much research into the potential, particularly on the north-east coast, for seaweed farming—it is a tremendous opportunity for coastal communities to diversify into a new sector. That is just one example of diversification, but seaweed production has grown across the world. Seaweed is being used in an extensive range of products, including eco-products. It also absorbs a significant amount of CO₂, so it can contribute to our net zero target.

On the regulation of newly expanding areas, what is being asked of the fishing community in relation to that diversification in the context of a sustainable marine environment? What other possible diversification is coming to the fore that is not just eco-friendly but economically positive for struggling coastal communities?

It comes back to education, which Rebecca Crowther touched on. Outreach and partnership work might be needed with organisations that fear the consequences of a ban. Some organisations might have misconceptions about the implications of a ban for their freedom of speech. The issue is about striking the right balance and getting the point across that there is also a freedom of choice angle. Are we considering the international perspective and looking at what has stalled work on bans, so that we in Scotland can learn from that?

I note the extra funding to combat gender violence, particularly as the pandemic exposed more of those vulnerabilities. Such funding is vital. Coming from the angle that the majority of that abuse is committed by men, what will be done to support people not just reactively when they have been abused but proactively to get to the root cause of it? Taking a helicopter type approach, would that be within the remit of the misogyny working group?

Can the Scottish Government do anything about misinformation on the gender recognition bill? We are seeing some confusion in the public mind about things that are already in place in the Equality Act 2010. Those misconceptions are leading to requests to roll back legislation that is already in place. What messaging is getting out about there being no conflict between the bill and women’s rights, and about the difference between the bill and other legislation that is already in place?

Good morning. I declare that I, too, supported the campaign.

There has been momentum towards a ban, internationally, although some countries that committed to enacting a ban have stalled at the consultation process. In some nations, there is not the political or cultural will to counter the form of torture that we are talking about. Do the witnesses think that there is the political and cultural will here?

I just want to thank the cabinet secretary for her answer. When I talk to certain equality and zero tolerance groups, it comes up a lot that there needs to be a wider approach, particularly in the early years, to change the culture of toxic masculinity and misogyny.

How do the cabinet secretaries and ministers work together on food and drink, and possibly have a helicopter oversight approach to it, from production to plate? At the moment, people are struggling and there is food poverty. How do the portfolios interlink with one another, especially in relation to food waste?

As you are aware, the fishing industry has had quite a hard time of late, especially because of the double whammy of Covid and Brexit. Naturally, its people are concerned for their future. With that feeling of vulnerability, they are quite sceptical about the co-operation agreement with the Scottish Green Party. Will you say something to alleviate their fears? In particular, can you tell us a bit more about how the distribution of quota and tackling of discards and by-catch are being worked on within the future fisheries management strategy?

Thank you. You touched on enticing new entrants into the industry. I know that there has been fantastic work in and around women in agriculture. Is there any scope to look at a programme for women in aquaculture and fisheries?