Hansard

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Alasdair Morgan): SNP

The next item of business is a debate on motion S3M-5559, in the name of Richard Lochhead, on the Marine (Scotland) Bill.

The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment (Richard Lochhead): SNP

I am delighted to open the debate on Scotland's first ever marine bill. This is truly a historic day for Scotland, our seas and the people of Scotland who wa...

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): Lab

Robin Harper made a point about haul-out sites, which Elaine Murray picked up on when summing up on the group of amendments in question. Elaine Murray referr...

Richard Lochhead: SNP

I am happy to put it on record that we will work with all the relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate guidance is in place on the identification of h...

Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): Lab

The Marine (Scotland) Bill is vital and its significance should not be underestimated. The marine area is essential to biodiversity, to food supply, to energ...

John Scott (Ayr) (Con): Con

I begin, like others, by thanking all those who have contributed to the creation of the Marine (Scotland) Bill. In particular, I thank our clerks, who have w...

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): LD

This day has been a long time coming. Our bill has enjoyed a lengthy gestation, but it is important that it has throughout that period enjoyed widespread sup...

The Deputy Presiding Officer: SNP

We move to the open debate. If members stick to their time limits, we will get everyone in.

Bill Wilson (West of Scotland) (SNP): SNP

I am delighted that the Marine (Scotland) Bill is well on its way to success. Indeed, I might venture to say that nobody examining the bill could accuse the ...

The Deputy Presiding Officer: SNP

Wind up, please.

Bill Wilson: SNP

Understood.I hope that the cabinet secretary will consider that suggestion when he comes to consider the definition of the "health" of the seas.

Karen Gillon (Clydesdale) (Lab): Lab

I am delighted to be able to participate in this, the final stage of the Marine (Scotland) Bill. Its long process, which began in the previous parliamentary ...

The Deputy Presiding Officer: SNP

Wind up, please.

Karen Gillon: Lab

Finally, I welcome the progress that has been made on the emotive issue of seals. I think that at stage 3 we have managed to get the balance right and, in ti...

Robin Harper (Lothians) (Green): Green

We are about to pass our first Scottish marine bill and it has been a long time in coming. It is not quite the bill that Green ministers would have written—m...

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): Lab

This is a watershed moment in the management of our marine environment. For too many generations, what was out of sight in a large part of our marine environ...

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): LD

The Liberal Democrats welcome the Marine (Scotland) Bill, which will create a framework for the management of Scotland's seas. We have had a constructive deb...

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): Con

I am delighted that this long-awaited and extremely important bill has reached the final stages of its passage through Parliament. Following close on the hee...

Sarah Boyack (Edinburgh Central) (Lab): Lab

I agree with colleagues that the bill is landmark legislation. It has been a long time in coming, and a tremendous amount of work has been done not only by m...

Richard Lochhead: SNP

I thank all members for their contribution to the debate on the bill. There have been many positive contributions; we have heard members speak of their pride...

The Presiding Officer (Alex Fergusson): NPA

Order. Members who are talking are missing a fascinating geographical talk.

Richard Lochhead: SNP

There is also spectacular marine wildlife off the coast of Galloway and Upper Nithsdale.As we know, marine wildlife tourism is another opportunity that Scotl...