Minutes: 17 February 2026

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 8, 9 and 10 in private.

The Committee agreed consideration of the draft report on the draft Climate Change Plan should be taken in private at future meetings.

2. NatureScot (Annual Report and Accounts and future priorities):

The Committee took evidence from—

Nick Halfhide, Chief Executive Officer and Professor Pete Higgins, Board Member, NatureScot.

In relation to questions on agriculture, Edward Mountain declared an interest as a partner in a family farming partnership in Moray.

In relation to questions on fishing, Edward Mountain declared an interest as a partner in and owner of 50% of Delfur Fishings, of Moray, a rod and line salmon fishing business.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the National Bus Travel Concession Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) (No2) Order 2026 and the National Bus Travel Concession Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Order 2026 from—

Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, supported by Kelly Minio-Paluello,Solicitor, Scottish Government, Carole Stewart, Head of Bus Strategy and Funding Policy Unit, Gary McIntyre, Economist - Bus, Active Travel & Low Carbon Economics and Jenn Ruddick, Team Leader - Concessionary Travel, Transport Scotland.

Edward Mountain indicated he is eligible for concessionary travel.

4. Subordinate legislation:

Jim Fairlie (Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity) moved—S6M-20454—That the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee recommends that the National Bus Travel Concession Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) (No. 2) Order 2026 [draft] be approved.

The motion was agreed to.

5. Subordinate legislation:

Jim Fairlie (Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity) moved—S6M-20799—That the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee recommends that the National Bus Travel Concession Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Order 2026 [draft] be approved.

After debate, the motion was agreed to (by division: For 6, Against 0, Abstentions 1).

6. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the Conservation of Habitats and Species (Offshore Wind) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 from—

Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, supported by Joel Hankinson, Head of Energy Act Implementation, Offshore Wind Directorate and David Moffat, Solicitor, Scottish Government.

7. Subordinate legislation:

Gillian Martin (Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy) moved—S6M-20459—That the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee recommends that the Conservation of Habitats and Species (Offshore Wind) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved.

After debate, the motion was agreed to (by division: For 5, Against 0, Abstentions 2).

8. NatureScot (Annual Report and Accounts and future priorities) (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

9. Appointment to the Board of Environmental Standards Scotland (In Private):

The Committee considered correspondence from the Scottish Government.

The Committee agreed to recommend to the Scottish Parliament approval of Laura Young for appointment to the Board of Environmental Standards Scotland.

10. Ecocide (Scotland) Bill (In Private):

The Committee considered its approach to the scrutiny of the Bill at Stage 2.

The Committee disagreed by division: For 3 (Bob Doris, Mark Ruskell, Sarah Boyack), Against 4 (Michael Matheson, Edward Mountain, Kevin Stewart, Douglas Lumsden), Abstentions 0, on whether to solicit written evidence.

The Committee agreed by division: For 5 (Bob Doris, Michael Matheson, Edward Mountain, Kevin Stewart, Douglas Lumsden),  Against 2 (Mark Ruskell, Sarah Boyack), Abstentions 0, to write to the Parliamentary Bureau asking it to note that the Committee does not consider it has time for sufficient scrutiny and debate on the Bill at Stage 2 within the time available.