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The purpose of the visit is to develop the Committee’s practical understanding of how some of Scotland’s key sectors operate, key challenges facing these sectors and how they can be supported in the future.

The Committee will visit SRUC Hill and Mountain Research Centre at Kirkton and Auchtertyre Farms to discuss land management systems and policies; SAMS Enterprise Seaweed Academy, the UK’s only dedicated seaweed industry facility; and Scottish Sea Farms to see how salmon is farmed.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Committee Convener and leader of the delegation, Finlay Carson MSP said:

“Over the next few months, the Committee’s scrutiny will focus heavily on agriculture policy, aquaculture and fisheries management and so it’s important that we have a proper understanding of the issues being faced by these sectors.

“Our visit to Crainlarich and Oban will provide us with the insight we need to be able to deliver positive outcomes for these industries and effectively hold the Scottish Government to account on the key issues affecting them.”

To further bolster their fact-finding in relation to aquaculture and fisheries management, the Committee also intends to hold a roundtable evidence session with inshore fisheries stakeholders and to further engage with coastal community groups.