1. Declaration of interests:

Edward Mountain declared an interest as a partner in Delfur Farms Farming Partnership, of Moray, a farming business with ancillary residential lettings.

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.

Edward Mountain indicated that he is a member of the National Farmers Union Scotland.

Edward Mountain indicated that he is a member of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association.

Edward Mountain indicated that he is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, through his previous profession as a qualified surveyor.

2. Choice of Convener:

The Committee chose Edward Mountain as its new Convener.

3. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 5 and 6 in private.

4. The role of local government and its cross-sectoral partners in financing and delivering a net-zero Scotland:

The Committee took evidence from—

Andrew Burns, Member, Accounts Commission;

Louise Marix Evans, Director, Quantum Strategy & Technology;

Stephen Smellie, Vice Convener, UNISON Scotland;

and then from—

Councillor Gail MacGregor, COSLA Spokesperson, Environment and Economy, Dumfries and Galloway Council;

David Hammond, Representative of Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (Solace) and Head of Sustainability, Corporate Property & Transport, North Ayrshire Council;

Silke Isbrand, Policy Manager, Environment and Economy Team, COSLA;

George Tarvit, Director, Sustainable Scotland Network.

5. Work programme (in private):

The Committee considered its work programme.

The Committee agreed to issue a targeted call for views in relation to the Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill (UK Parliament legislation), and agreed witnesses to take evidence from at a later date.

6. Advisers (in private):

The Committee agreed its preferred candidate for appointment as adviser on environmental standards.