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1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to consider item 6 in private. The Committee will also agreed to review the evidence taken as part of its follow-up inquiry into salmon farming in Scotland in private at item 7 and at future meetings.

2. Follow-up inquiry into salmon farming in Scotland:

The Committee took evidence from—

Dr Alan Wells, Chief Executive, Fisheries Management Scotland;

Neil Purvis, Delivery Lead, Fish Health Inspectorate, Marine Directorate, Scottish Government;

Dr Amy Jennings, Veterinary Lead, Animal and Plant Health Agency;

Peter Pollard, Senior Lead, Projects, Scottish Environment Protection Agency;

Professor Cathy Dwyer, Chair, Scottish Animal Welfare Commission;

Ben Hadfield, Director, Salmon Scotland.

Edward Mountain declared an interest as a partner in a wild salmon fishery on the River Spey and as a director on the board of Fisheries Management Scotland.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the (SSI 2026/draft) from—

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Joseph Triscott, Aquaculture Policy Manager and Jill Barber, Head of Aquaculture Development, Scottish Government.

4. Subordinate legislation:

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands moved—

S6M-20638—That the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee recommends that the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Scottish Inshore Region) Amendment Order 2026 be approved.

After debate, the motion was agreed to (by division: For 7, Against 0, Abstentions 1).

5. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instrument—

 (SSI 2026/55)

The Committee agreed to make no recommendations in relation to the instrument.

6. Legacy paper (In Private):

The Committee agreed to publish a legacy paper at the end of session.

7. Follow-up inquiry into salmon farming in Scotland (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.