Dave Thompson MSP

As some of you may know I sit on the Rural Affairs Committee (RACCE) which in a unicameral legislature like the Scottish Parliament is an integral part of the system of Government. I mention this as the Committee has been hearing evidence on Stage 1 of the Land Reform Bill, and we issued a well received report on the 4th December recommending significant enhancements in the draft legislation.

The report can be read here: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/94538.aspx

We have recommended a detailed economic analysis of the impact of introducing non-domestic rates for shooting and deer forest operations. While the Committee support the general principle of a fair distribution of the tax burden it is concerned about the unintended employment implications of the removal of the exemption.

We have also recommended a formal right to buy for tenant farmers secured under the 1991 act and much greater transparency regarding not just the ownership of land, but also the control and benefit that accrues from that land.

There are three stages in the legislative process and so the report has been published now so that the draft legislation entering stage 2 will have more measures within it and that some areas which are currently envisioned as being enacted under secondary legislation will now be an integral part of the Bill.

On a less serious note we are of course coming into the festive period where we celebrate the birth of Christ and so I wish you all the very best Merry Christmas. Traditionally Scotland has always held the celebration of the arrival of the New Year in great regard too and so I also wish you all a safe, and reasonably sober, guid new Year for 2016. Remember too to leave the car at home if you are taking a drink or nominate a non-drinking driver.

I also ask you all to remember that some among us can be very lonely at this time of year and I hope you can take a charitable look for your neighbours so no one is left alone and that we spread the good cheer to all.

It is also the time for snow and ice and in Badenoch we all know that this can mean, hopefully, lots of fun with snow sports on Cairngorm Mountain. I wish all you snow athletes a long and enjoyable winter season.

And for walkers, climbers and ski-tourers I urge you to know your winter skills, take note of the excellent mountain weather and avalanche service funded by the Scottish Government and keep safe this winter.

I know nothing can surpass the views as you crest a ridge, for example, and see the panorama of our wonderful mountain scapes in their winter blanket so enjoy but be careful.