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To ask the Scottish Government what reassurances it can give to any veterans facing challenges in relation to their local healthcare, housing and accessibility needs. (S6O-00397)

I am sure that many of us were touched in some way last week during the remembrance day events. I often think about my grandfather in particular, and how grateful I am to have known him and to have heard his witness of war before he passed. As we remember that past, we must not forget those who need help in the present.

In constituencies including Banffshire and Buchan Coast, a large armed forces community has specific housing needs. How will the Scottish Government ensure that the armed forces will continue to be taken into consideration as the housing sector deals with the challenges that the on-going disruption to supply chains causes, which will undoubtedly impact veterans disproportionately?

I am sure that I do not need to stress how much coastal communities depend on fish for their food and livelihoods or how imperative it is that we get the local fishing industry on board when it comes to protecting the marine environment so that we can ensure high catches and healthy populations in future fisheries, among other objectives. Is a greater level of engagement needed between scientists, managers and stakeholders to steer the process? Is that essential to the successful development of harvest strategies, for example? If the witnesses agree with that, how do they see that being implemented, particularly in developing relationships and trust? What sustainable incentives could there be for the industry?

Good afternoon. Urban gulls are having a severe impact on the lives of people who live in my constituency. Although their numbers are in decline overall, the numbers are increasing significantly in certain areas. That is just one example of the changing environment and climate impacts on local communities.

Where is more research needed to understand the drivers and impacts of change in the terrestrial environment? What data do we need in order to find solutions to such issues?

We often hear that people are trying to understand why people, particularly those in the trans community, are identifying as a particular gender. We seem to be getting pulled into the semantics of the why, with people giving their opinions on such matters. Is that something that we should even take into consideration when we are discussing conversion practices here at committee?

Choice and consent are two of the key points, and there has been a discussion about the protection of children. Many of our previous witnesses have testified that coercion was used to try to persuade them to change their sexual orientation or gender identity as children and young people, and that that early intervention caused them the most tremendous harm. Do you believe that children can consent to conversion practices?

I would like to ask Adam Jowett a question that has just come to mind. What do you feel about the suspicion, judgment or debate, as some put it, around the understanding of why people are who they say they are? In your opinion, is that pertinent to our discussions around conversion practices? I would highlight that these so-called debates are particularly prevalent around gender identity.

People—including some who have loved ones in hospital with Covid—have recently expressed their frustration at seeing the Prime Minister with no mask on in a hospital. What is the Scottish Government doing to ensure that people understand the importance of adhering to guidelines—regardless of their vaccination status—particularly in the winter months?

I recently met representatives of Scottish Tenant Farmers Association, who emphasised the health benefits and sustainability of the locally sourced, high-quality meat and dairy products that its members produce. What is the Scottish Government doing to support a culture change when it comes to information about locally sourced food, including the health and environmental benefits?

I have two questions, but I will take your lead on whether there is time for the second, convener.

I will ask about the complex connection between animal abuse and domestic violence, particularly as we have seen recently in the context of the pandemic. Numerous studies have confirmed that, in households that have companion animals and are experiencing domestic violence and abuse, there is also a high probability of animal abuse. Some reports detail that individuals and families often delay fleeing violent situations due to concerns about the safety of their companion animals.

What more can be done on that, as children in particular often rely on their pets to provide stability, security and companionship? Veterinarians and animal welfare agencies might be in a position to identify such situations, as holistic approaches to abuse have a greater impact.