Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee

1. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take item 3 in private. 2. Islands (Scotland) Bill: The Committee will take evidence on the Bill at Stage 1 from— Fergus Murray, Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation, Argyll and Bute Council; Andrew Fraser, Head of Democratic Services, and Dr Audrey Sutton, Head of Connected Communities, North Ayrshire Council; and then from— Norman A MacDonald, Convener, and Malcolm Burr, Chief Executive, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar; Stuart Black, Director of Development and Strategic Transportation, Highlands Council. 3. Proposed Aquaculture Inquiry: The Committee will consider a proposal for commissioning external research to support its proposed aquaculture inquiry.