Shetland can’t escape sheep tags

ELECTRONIC identification (EID) is coming to Shetland, despite an appeal for a derogation for the isles.

The news came in a letter from rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead to Shetland MSP Tavish Scott, who warned that the move could be the death knell for sheep farming in the isles.

Mr Lochhead told the Liberal Democrat leader that there was “no option” for a derogation unless one was obtained directly from the European Commission.

In his letter, he said: “My officials are doing all they can to ensure EID implementation can be achieved in the best possible way for the way the Shetland livestock system operates.”

Mr Scott said he was “deeply disappointed”, adding: “I am very concerned that the minister’s reply is now all about implementation of EID which will be impossible for sheep producers in Shetland.

“EID alone will do more to end livestock production in the islands than any other cack-handed measure introduced by any government. EID is a bureaucratic nightmare that will do nothing to protect animal health standards across Scotland. It is a completely pointless exercise that will cost crofters and farmers time and money for nothing.

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“The one crumb of comfort is the new European commissioner responsible for this mess. I want Richard Lochhead to jump on the plane to Brussels and make the case for crofters and farmers with the new commissioner. Nothing would be lost by that effort and much could be gained and he would have my support if he is prepared to make that effort.

“Other European countries handle these issues differently. If this was France, the government would have simply said – no we’re not doing it. There needs to be more determined government action on this issue in Edinburgh and London.”