SNP MSP Emma Harper speaks against the inclusion of "affordable housing" as it would be duplication.

Green MSP John Finnie backs the Labour amendment that would do that, but Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles speaks against it, as well as the inclusion of "rural businesses".

Tory MSP Oliver Mundell questions Mr Rumbles as to what harm including "affordable housing" could do.

Mr Rumbles accepts everyone needs a house to live in as a human right, but adds a mix of housing must be encouraged.

The rural economy secretary welcomes the backing of his amendment by Mr Smyth, and returns the favour by backing his amendment adding "sustainable" to the face of the bill.

Ms McAlpine's amendment also garners his support, along with Ms Harper's one.

However he has concerns about Mr Smyth's amendments relating to rural business and affordable housing, arguing they are "not technically felicitous", arguing the issues are implicit in the bill.

First up we have amendments relating to the aims of this bill, with Labour MSP Colin Smyth speaking to his amendment, adding "further sustainable" to "economic development" within the aim.

Other amendments from Mr Smyth call for support of rural businesses, enterprises, and communities to be added to the face of the bill, as well as the promotion of affordable housing.

The Labour MSP backs the amendments in this section from Fergus Ewing, Joan McAlpine and Emma Harper.

Check the details here., external

Image source, Getty Images

In March we reported MSPs had backed the principle of a new enterprise agency being set up for the south of Scotland.

They unanimously supported the legislation needed to create such a body but called for improvements.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing described the approval of the general principles of the bill to set up the agency as a "significant day".

He told MSPs the Scottish government wanted a body to drive growth, boost competitiveness and tackle inequality.

Read more here.

Image source, David Dixon/PA/Selkirk

MSPs will now debate and vote on the Stage 3 amendments to the South of Scotland Enterprise Bill, external.

• Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 3 (179KB pdf posted 31 May 2019), external
• Groupings of Amendments for Stage 3 (161KB pdf posted 31 May 2019), external

Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham replies the Scottish government has acted immediately with amendments to the Climate Change Bill to meet the net-zero target by 2045.

The minister adds it is now looking across all portfolios to see where action is necessary.

The Climate Change Action Plan will be updated six months after the bill receives royal assent, she says.

Mr Rowley responds, saying tens of thousands of houses in Scotland are described as too expensive to insulate and calls for action.

The minister cites the Energy Efficient Route Map saying a more ambitious target for more energy efficient homes is under consideration.

Image source, EPA

The UK should lead the global fight against climate change by cutting greenhouse gases to nearly zero by 2050, a report said last month.

The Committee on Climate Change maintains this can be done at no added cost from previous estimates.

Its report says that if other countries follow the UK, there’s a 50-50 chance of staying below the recommended 1.5C temperature rise by 2100.

The Scottish government will legislate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2045 after receiving fresh advice from the expert panel.

The Committee on Climate Change, external (CCC) urged that Scotland set the target five years ahead of the UK as a whole.

• Climate change: Where we are in seven charts
• Will the government pay you to go green?
• What do all the climate change terms mean?
• What is climate change?

Labour MSP Alex Rowley asks the Scottish government, in light of the climate emergency, what action it is taking to act on the recommendations of the Committee on Climate Change to deliver low-carbon infrastructure and homes.

We have a brief switching off of the sound by the parliament due to shouting from the gallery.

We're back very quickly.

Image source, Ullapool Sea Savers

Labour MSP Claudia Beamish asks if a system wide arrangement for measures to tackle single-use plastic, including targets and a ban, can be introduced.

Ms Gougeon replies a number of measures are already underway.

SNP MSP Gail Ross asks if the work of the Ullapool Sea Savers, external should be replicated.

Ullapool Sea Savers are a group of dedicated young people, including primary school pupils, who are raising awareness of the challenges facing the local marine environment.

The minister has no hesitation in agreeing.

Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon says the government is absolutely committed to tackling Scotland's throw away culture

We're the first country to announce the design for a deposit return-scheme, adds Ms Gougeon, and she details other government efforts for tackling single-use plastic.

It's imperative the UK government also takes action, she says.

How campaigners, consumers and companies are joining forces to tackle single-use plastic and other products in our throwaway society.

Last year the European Parliament voted for a complete ban on a range of single-use plastics across the union in a bid to stop pollution of the oceans.

SNP MSP Bruce Crawford asks the Scottish government whether it will provide an update on the action that it is taking to reduce single-use plastic usage.

Image source, Weather watchers

We now move to questions on the environment and climate change.

The full list of questions is here., external

Image source, bbc

Business Minister Jamie Hepburn says Highland and Islands Partnership is helping those affected.

Will more public sector jobs be based in the islands, wonders Mr Allan.

Scottish Government is consulting on this, and is always willing to make inroads, says the minister.

Labour MSP Rhoda Grant wonders whether there could be staff buyout.

The minister says he'd be delighted to engage with workers on that, if they so wish.

Image source, Science Photo Library

In January we reported dozens of call centre jobs in the Highlands and Islands were under threat.

Almost 60 posts are affected at telecom company Talk Talk's site in Stornoway, Lewis, which was due to close in July.

Staff were offered roles at a Talk Talk centre in Manchester.

Western Isles Council - Comhairle nan Eilean Siar - and the Mr Allan have raised concerns about the impact of the job losses on the small population of Lewis.

During First Minister's Questions, Nicola Sturgeon said public agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise had offered help to the staff.

Read more here.

SNP MSP Alasdair Allan asks the Scottish government what progress it has made in assisting the workforce of the TalkTalk call centre in Stornoway.