Views sought on MSP's proposed 'ecoside' law and 20-year jail terms
A Scottish Parliament committee is seeking people’s views on a proposed new crime of “ecocide” that could possibly impact salmon farmers in cases of fish escapes or other incidents deemed to impact the environment.
The Ecocide (Scotland) Bill was introduced to Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee by Labour MSP Monica Lennon on May 29 this year and is now being examined by the committee.
Lennon believes that creating a distinct criminal offence of ecocide and increasing the penalties for perpetrators, would reduce the likelihood of future incidents and help protect Scotland’s population, wildlife, and ecosystems.
Proposals in the Bill allow for both people and organisations to be convicted of ecocide with custodial sentences of up to 20 years and unlimited fines.
Fitting penalties
Net Zero Committee convener Edward Mountain, a Conservative MSP and riparian rights owner who has frequently been critical of aspects of salmon farming, wants to hear what views people and organisations have about the Bill.
“We all agree on the need to address the biodiversity crisis and protect and restore fragile ecosystems. That includes making sure there are fitting penalties for serious environmental damage,” Mountain said in a Scottish Parliament press release.
“Introducing ecocide into Scots criminal law could send a strong message to individuals and organisations about the gravity of serious environmental damage and act as a deterrent, changing corporate behaviour and individual decision-making for the better.
The right balance
“While protecting the environment is vital, it’s also important to ensure that any new measures strike the right balance - avoiding disproportionate costs for public bodies, individuals and businesses, or inhibiting development or infrastructure in places where it is needed and wanted.
“And before making new laws, its right to reflect on how well current measures to combat environmental damage work and whether they’re backed up with sufficient resources.
“Please share your views with us, to help us further understand the strengths and weaknesses of the proposals before us.”
The Committee expects to take evidence on the Bill after summer recess and report its recommendations to Parliament.
The call for views will be open until Tuesday, September 9. 2025 and can be accessed here.
