Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 11 February 2026 [Draft]
11 Feb 2026 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Portfolio Question Time
Salmon Numbers (Rivers)
If Alexander Burnett would care to listen, he would hear that I have outlined the work that has been undertaken through the wild salmon strategy, the accompanying implementation plan and the funding that is going towards that.
The member might also be interested to know that I will meet the Dee District Salmon Fishery Board and the River Dee Trust tomorrow to hear their concerns directly. We work together with them and other partners because we know that the matter requires urgent action, which we are taking.
In the same item of business
1. Alexander Burnett (Aberdeenshire West) (Con)
Con
To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to restore salmon numbers in Scotland’s rivers. (S6O-05483)
The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands (Mairi Gougeon)
SNP
I take the issue of declining wild Atlantic salmon populations very seriously. Under our wild salmon strategy and the accompanying implementation plan, we ar...
Alexander Burnett
Con
I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests regarding the River Dee.Despite valiant conservation efforts, such as the River Dee Trust’s...
Mairi Gougeon
SNP
Straight off, I do not appreciate the patronising tone of that supplementary question from Alexander Burnett. To blame a political party for the decline of a...
Alexander Burnett
Con
Come and speak with my constituents.
Mairi Gougeon
SNP
If Alexander Burnett would care to listen, he would hear that I have outlined the work that has been undertaken through the wild salmon strategy, the accompa...
Rachael Hamilton (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con)
Con
Given that the River Tweed is an iconic salmon river that provides around £24 million to the economy and 500 jobs, what action is the Scottish Government tak...
Mairi Gougeon
SNP
I can get back to Rachael Hamilton on those particular points if she follows up on them with me in writing. We should take all action to mitigate any damage ...