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I remind everyone that I have an interest because I was still a councillor during my first year as an MSP and I chaired the regional park management committee for a couple of years.
I have represented part of Dumfries and Galloway as a regional or a constituency MSP since 1999. Over that time, the food and drink sector has been the one sector in which there has been significant expansion.
We have seen constructive engagement from MSPs and from many stakeholders, who have all recognised the importance and potential of Scotland’s historic environment and the need to work together to protect it and to develop its potential.
Members have a note from the clerk, the Scottish Parliament information centre briefing, the petition and the related submissions. Neil Findlay MSP and John Scott MSP, who both have an interest in the issue, are in attendance.
We must be active in offering our political support to protect them. MSPs’ enthusiasm has been matched by the support that we receive from the charities and organisations that promote the species.
I would like to lay to rest the false claims by Gordon Matheson, the Labour leader of Glasgow City Council, Labour councillors, Labour MSPs such as Jackie Baillie and some people in the media with regard to how hard the council has it.
That can demonstrate how profitable the approach can be and it can perhaps encourage more employers to be partners in such initiatives. I am an MSP for Edinburgh—where the Parliament is based—and surrounding areas.