Richard Lochhead, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said that collection centres will be able to apply for a licence to operate from today, as part of a phased programme to get Scotland’s livestock industry back to normal. 

Lochhead said it had been a “watershed week” for the industry but added that the new measures would be “very good news” for farmers in remote areas. He said: "The Scottish government continues to work round the clock to minimise the impact of the foot and mouth disease outbreak. 

"We have a coherent package of measures which, stage by stage, are helping our farmers and livestock industry.  

"This is a watershed week with the European vets' decision on the export ban on Thursday. We are doing all we can to ensure Scotland's interests are represented.  

"But we can also make our own progress at home by working with key industry groups to ensure that we are ready to move as quickly as it is prudent to do so. 

"Today's announcement on collection centres is very good news for farmers in the more remote areas and those sending smaller consignments." 

James Withers, NFUS Deputy Chief Executive hailed the relaxation of the foot and mouth restrictions as “good news . . . that will help farmers”.   

He continued: “The initial relaxation allowed animals to go direct from farms to abattoirs, however, hauliers were only allowed to make single-pick ups from farms.  In normal circumstances, there would be multiple pick-ups from different farms which makes it economical for farmers to move smaller consignments of animals to abattoirs.  

“The opening of collection centres means farmers will be able to take slaughter animals to an approved centre so they can be loaded together with other animals from different farms.  This will allow lorries to take full loads and at least reduce one of the costs associated with the foot and mouth restrictions.” 

“Discussions will continue on further relaxations in the coming days and obviously we are looking towards Thursday when we hope for good news from talks in Brussels on the resumption of red meat exports.”