Image source, bbc

Scottish Conservative MSP Peter Chapman says forestry is a crucial part of the economy, but says "I believe we can do better".

Mr Chapman calls for more trees to be planted.

He welcomes a newly increased tree planting target.

However he Tory MSP says the government has missed its 10,000 hectare targets every year since 2001.

Image source, SNS

Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee convener Edward Mountain states: "Tree related deceases don't respect national boundaries and neither should government research.

"A united UK agreement to forest research should be agreed.

"The committee looks forward to seeing positive action to all our recommendations."

Image source, bbc

Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, external convener Edward Mountain praises the work of the Forestry Commission and Forest Enterprise .

Mr Mountain says the committee heard wide ranging concerns about splitting the function of the Forestry Commission.

He calls for amendments to the Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Bill, external.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing says: "We are committed to restoring 500 hectares of woodland and creating 650 hectares of woodland.

"Our tourism partnership with forest holidays goes from strength to strength.

"I believe we can move forward with this Bill's general principles.

"I will continue to work across this chamber to ensure that this Bill becomes law."

Mr Ewing says he will provide a ministerial statement in due course as to how forestry will be sustainably managed

The minister announces that his UK and Welsh counterparts have agreed to share responsibility for these matters.

He says the Scottish government will take the lead on a number of issues.

Rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing says "the Bills' measures will support planting targets as part of our climate change ambitions."

Mr Ewing says: "This Bill will complete the devolution of forestry.

"The Bill enables a more effective use of Scotland's publicly owned land.

"I welcome the report which recommends that parliament support the general principles of the Bill.

"There remains concerns about the new organisation structures. We will take a considered approach and continue to engage with staff and stakeholders."

The Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament on 10 May 2017. The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee has been assigned the lead for scrutiny.

The Bill transfers the powers and duties of the Forestry Commissioners in Scotland to Scottish Ministers. It provides Scottish Ministers with a duty to promote sustainable forest management and publish a forestry strategy.

It transfers responsibility for plant health to Scottish Ministers so that responsibility for all plant health in Scotland will reside in one place.

Image source, bbc

The Bill widens the provisions currently available for management of forestry land. It includes provisions on the management of land for sustainable development. The bill also sets out provisions for compulsory purchase and the delegation of management functions to community bodies.

The regulatory regime for felling trees is updated and becomes the responsibility of Scottish Ministers.

The Forestry Act 1967 is repealed for Scotland.

Image source, Thinkstock

MSPs will now debate the Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Bill, external before voting on its general principles at decision time.

The legislation makes provision:

• about Scottish ministers’ functions in relation to forestry
• about Scottish ministers’ functions in relation to the management of forestry land and other land
• and for connected purposes

That concludes the statement of apology to gay men convicted of now abolished laws/

The presiding officer suspends for a few minutes.

Image source, bbc

Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie thanks the first minister for her apology which he says is an important thing to do.

Mr Rennie says the apology today makes it clear it was the law, the enforcement of that law and authorities who were wrong.

He says: "People were imprisoned and fined, there lives and families in many cases were ruined."

Our country is poorer this, he says and adds it is right the parliament comes together to apologise.

Scottish Green party co-convener Patrick Harvie says: "There is still much work to do.

"We still make too many excuses for people who refuse to accept that same sex relationship are equal."