A former Scottish government minister is currently under formal parliamentary investigation over allegations involving a verbal confrontation with a Tory MSP. Tavish Scott, the former leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats and now the chief executive of Salmon Scotland, faces scrutiny from Holyrood’s Ethical Standards Commissioner following a complaint from Dale Vince’s Green Britain Foundation. This incident reportedly occurred during an October 2023 meeting with Edward Mountain, an MSP for the Highlands and Islands.
The complaint alleges that Scott confronted Mountain regarding comments the latter made in Parliament about the salmon farming industry, specifically figures suggesting a significant number of fish are destroyed annually. Mountain stated, “some are dying when they are harvested and they still reach our tables.” The confrontation escalated when Mountain claimed that Scott threatened, “The issue and your attitude are top of the agenda for the next board meeting. The board are very unhappy with you and are willing to take action against you, unless you retract your comments in the Parliament.”
Despite Scott’s continued access to parliamentary facilities owing to his corporate role, the lobby group stresses the importance of transparency in political dealings. Vince was quoted as saying, “We’re talking about an industry already knee-deep in environmental carnage, now allegedly trying to dodge rules that keep our democracy honest.” He argued that the public has a right to know the influence of corporate interests on politicians and urged for transparency regarding lobbying practices.
Scott has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he has not breached any lobbying regulations. He previously responded to media coverage of the allegations with threats of reporting the publication to press regulators, maintaining that the complaints lacked merit.
The Scottish farmed salmon sector, which is estimated to be worth approximately £1 billion annually, faces consistent criticism over its environmental impact. Concerns have been raised regarding the industry’s effects on wild salmon populations due to sea lice, as well as allegations of pollution linked to farming practices.
Salmon Scotland, the industry body Scott heads, issued a statement asserting its compliance with lobbying regulations. In addition, the organisation represents a sector comprising 200 fish farms, producing around 140,000 tons of fish annually, valued at about £760 million.
Meanwhile, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon is currently facing her own ministerial code probe after accepting hospitality from Salmon Scotland to watch international rugby matches in the previous years. Reports indicate that approximately £1,500 in tickets and hospitality were not disclosed in her official register of gifts.
The controversy is not isolated, as other politicians, including Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, have also faced criticism for receiving free hospitality from Salmon Scotland during a Liverpool FC match last September.
The investigation into Scott’s interactions and the accusations surrounding lobbying practices continue to unfold, with the initial complaint raising broader questions about the ethical standards governing parliamentarians and the influence of the corporate sector on political processes.
Source: Noah Wire Services