xperts 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. Papers from 2002 that have just been released reveal that ministers discussed a “general failure by the public to understand scientific processes”.Minutes from a cabinet meeting on May 1, 2002, report a discussion led by Ross Finnie, then minister for environment and rural development, on the GM crop trial at Munlochy on the Black Isle, Easter Ross.A field of modified oilseed rape was subject to a long-running vigil and a farmer was jailed for contempt of court after he refused to name those who had helped him to damage it.The cabinet minutes noted “a ‘medieval’” approach.