A TORY MSP has accused the boss of Scotland's salmon farming trade body of "verbally attacking" him in the Scottish Parliament.
During a meeting of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee in Holyrood on Wednesday, Tory MSP Edward Mountain clashed with Salmon Scotland chief executive and former Liberal Democrat MSP Tavish Scott.
Mountain accused Scott of threatening him in his parliamentary office for scrutinising the impact the industry has on the environment.
As MSPs spoke with various stakeholders about the industry, Mountain questioned the attitude of Scott towards those who scrutinise salmon farming.
"Tavish, on the point that you made when you came in here, if I may, you were quite aggressive to those people that challenged you.
"Do you think its right that people have an ability to challenge you and question whether what the industry is doing is right? Because you were pretty forceful against them."
Scott replied: "I absolutely accept that we've got stakeholders with every right to say what they like.
"I have the absolute right on behalf of the 12,000 people I represent to point out that anti-salmon farming campaign organisations are here to put us all out of a job."
Scott has previously referred to there being 12,500 "hard working salmon farmers" in Scotland.
Previous estimates from Salmon Scotland state that there are around 2500 people directly employed by salmon farms with a further 10,000 "dependent" upon the industry, such as boat manufacturers or logistics workers.
Scott continued: "Actually, Edward, excuse me, Mr Mountain, the thing I think you should be worried about as a cattle farmer is [as] my daughter is, as a sheep farmer, is once they have got rid of us, they then move onto farming."
He added that Salmon Scotland needed the committee's help to push against the "utter nonsense" the industry is subjected to from campaigners who highlight the impact salmon farming has on the environment.
Mountain then accused Scott of verbally threatening him.
"Tavish, my final point to you is: I think I reasonably question you and I reasonably challenge the industry," he said.
"I agree," replied Scott.
Mountain continued: "On the 25th of October at 14:30, when you came into my office one of your comments, word for word because it was taken down for me, is: 'The issue is your attitude are at the top of the agenda for the next board meeting. The board are very unhappy with you and willing to take action against you unless you retract your comments in Parliament.'
"Do you think that's a respectful way to engage the Parliament?
Mountain was then interrupted by committee convener and fellow Tory MSP Finlay Carson, who cautioned Mountain against "saying something you may regret".
Scott then said: "Can I just put on the record convener that I didn't know a private discussion was being taped and I now do."
Mountain then said it wasn't taped only written down by hand.
He added: "I think I was trying to identify that people have a right to challenge the industry and question it so that we can make the industry come to be the industry we want it to be in Scotland and contributing to the export industry that we have.
"But I find it difficult when I'm being physically, or verbally, attacked for doing just that."
Rachel Mulrenan, Scotland director of fish conservation charity Wildfish, said Mountain's accusation against Scott should be investigated.
"This is a deeply worrying allegation and one that warrants a full investigation," she said.
"If true, it clearly illustrates the way in which the salmon farming industry feels entitled to bully and intimidate those who dare to question its environmental, welfare or sustainability credentials - even elected Members of the Scottish Parliament.
"This can also be seen in the industry's continued attempts to reduce the voices and opinions of independent veterinarians, marine biologists, wild fish experts, animal welfare advocates, concerned local residents and more, with a blanket claim of all objectors being 'fringe activists'."
Tavish Scott told The National: “I will always stand up for the farmers who are so passionate about the fish in their care.”
