Question reference: S4W-27273
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for Argyll and Bute, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 2 September 2015
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Current status: Answered by Aileen McLeod on 14 September 2015
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will instruct Scottish Natural Heritage to review the action that has been taken to control or eliminate giant hogweed.
Answer
The Scottish Government and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) are currently working to prioritise non-native species for action through the Scottish Biodiversity Committee’s Non-Native Species Action Group. Giant hogweed is being assessed, alongside a number of other plants, for this purpose. The Group will determine what action should be taken for plants or animals that are deemed to be priorities for management in Scotland. In the meantime, where SNH are made aware that the presence of giant hogweed poses a threat to public health, they will work with the appropriate local authority to ensure that the appropriate action is taken by landowners.