Concerns raised over 'medieval' understanding of GM crop science
It's after a trial crop in the Highlands was deliberately damaged by a farmer in 2002.
Scientific experts were told to consider how to improve the Scottish public's understanding of science after ministers raised concerns about 'medieval' debates on genetically modified crops.
It's after Cabinet meeting paper from 2002 reveal a genetically modified crop trial in the Highlands was deliberately damaged.
One Black Isle farmer was jailed for committing contempt of court by refusing to name those who helped him damage the field of modified oilseed rape at Munlochy on the Black Isle, Easter Ross.
Minutes from a Cabinet meeting on May 1 2002, show a discussion led by the then Minister for Environment and Rural Development, Liberal Democrat Ross Finnie, on the GM crop trial at Munlochy on the Black Isle, Easter Ross.
The minutes refer to recent incidents at the trial, which was subject to a long-running vigil by campaigners, a public petition with thousands of signatures, as well as the incident with the farmer.
The cabinet minutes note: 'A 'medieval' approach was being taken in debates, with scientific opinion being dismissed.
'There was also general failure by the public to understand scientific processes.'
Fears were raised about Scotland gaining an international reputation for being 'anti-science' and Mr Finnie said he was concerned that the Scottish Executive's agreed neutral stance on GM crops was 'not understood or effective in the face of strong public opposition about GM crop trials'.
The cabinet agreed to have then First Minister Jack McConnell or Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Life Long Learning Wendy Alexander to write to the Scottish Advisory Committee on Science to ask them to 'look closely at how to improve public understanding of science'