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Recent Reports
Aithisgean ùra
Committee Reports
Aithisgean Chomataidh
Research Briefings
Brathan-ullachaidh Rannsachadh
Feedback
Ais-eòlas
Published by The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
Stage 1 report on the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill
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Published: Tuesday 30 Sep 2025 (RAI/S6/2025/R8)
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Introduction
Consideration of the Bill by other parliamentary committees
Overview of the Bill
Part 1 - Targets for improving Biodiversity
Duty to set statutory targets
Topics for statutory targets
Target topics not included in the Bill
Process for setting targets
Data and performance indicators
Timeframe for introducing statutory targets
Procedure for setting targets
Duties in relating to meeting targets
Process of reviewing, reporting on and adjusting statutory targets
Independent review of statutory requirements
Financial implications for ESS
Other issues considered by the Committee on Part 1
Part 2 – power to modify or restate environmental impact assessment legislation and habitats regulations
The EIA legislation and habitats regulations
Background on the Bill
The Bill provisions
Issues raised during the Committee's consideration
The need for additional powers to modify or restate EIA legislation and habitats regulations
The scope of the section 2(1) power
Calls for strengthened safeguards on the use of the section 2(1) power
Parliamentary scrutiny of regulations made under section 2(1)
Part 3 - National Parks
Introduction
Support for wider or other legislative reforms to national park legislation
Aims of national parks
Stakeholder views
Balancing or re-balancing the aims
Duty to facilitate implementation of national park plans
Fixed penalty notices
Part 4 - Deer Management
Introduction
Background to deer management in Scotland
Deer Working Group and consultation for legislative reform
RAI Committee consideration of Part 4
Aims and purposes of deer management – to include “to safeguard the public interest”
NatureScot representation on advisory panels
Grounds for intervention for nature restoration
NatureScot investigatory powers (Sections 21 - 23)
Authorisations for particular activities (Sections 24 - 31)
Repeal of Venison Dealer Licence (Section 33)
Impact of rising deer numbers for tenant farms on large scale landholdings
Wider issues raised in evidence to the Committee
Conclusion
Annexe A - extract of minutes
Annexe B - evidence collected by the FPA Committee
Annexe C - Suggestions for amendments to the proposed national park aims
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