Tory MSP hits out at rival’s tweet claim

Scottish Conservative MSP Edward Mountain has called for an SNP MSP to apologise over claims he proposed changes to key land management legislation in order to protect his own interests.

Mr Mountain described comments made on Twitter by Gillian Martin as a “completely unjustified insinuation”. The Forestry and Land Management Bill includes measures to extend the compulsory purchase of land for sustainable development. However, Mr Mountain has put forward an amendmentwhichwouldremove these powers from the legislation. According to his register of interests, he is a partner in Moray-based Delfur Farms Farming Partnership and a partner in and owner of 50 per cent of Delfur Fishings.

In a tweet related to a newspaper story on his amendment to the bill, Ms Martin wrote: “Make no mistake there are MSPS in Holyrood who are there to protect their own interest. Yet another example.”

Mr Mountain said his concerns were “entirely over the quality of legislation”.

In a letter to Ms Martin seeking an apology, the Highlands and Islands MSP said rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing “could not justify or give reasons for” the additional powers.