The meeting took place shortly after we had made the announcement and I was subjected to close scrutiny on the decision-making process, the consultation process that preceded it and our intention to engage further with all interested parties in the aftermath of the decision.I can genuinely and honestly say to you that at that gathering our decisions were very well received not only by producer interests, but across the spectrum, because I had taken the time, trouble and effort to consult more widely with environmental non-governmental organisations—Scottish Environment LINK and others—in the run-up to the decision-making process in order to ensure that the interests that they genuinely represent in terms of the wider environmental and rural development agenda were also addressed.As with all such processes, one is required to strike a balance—actually, a balance is not required and is not a necessity, but a decision is taken based on the weight of argument and how that sways one. I believe, to this day...