NFU Scotland and other industry bodies* have joined forces to write a letter to Richard Lochhead MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment, outlining what is required of Defra and the UK Government on the key issues affecting the industry. Currently, there is the need for a livestock welfare scheme for animals with no market and extremely limited grazing, as well as a need for temporarily relaxed driver hours for the haulage sector.

The letter highlights the grave concerns of the industry over the impact that Foot and Mouth and associated restrictions have had on Scotland’s livestock industry and the rural communities it supports.

Jim McLaren, NFU Scotland President, said:

“The UK Government has an obligation to do all it can to alleviate the plight of the Scottish livestock industry.

“Animals are currently in a situation where they have no market and no feed and so a welfare scheme is of high priority. In addition, haulage is becoming increasingly difficult because the Department for Transport is refusing to grant a temporary relaxation of driver hours to cope with the backlog.

“Defra must be made to understand the dire consequences that the Scottish industry could be facing if they fail to act. Currently they are demonstrating a complete lack of knowledge or concern over the Scottish farming industry and this cannot be allowed to continue.

“We have the full support of the Scottish Government but it is those in power in Westminster who must act to repair some of the animal welfare, financial and emotional damage that this disease has been allowed to cause.”

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