Scotland’s agricultural shows have avoided the need to apply for a special licence under the proposed Animal Gatherings (Scotland) Order after a decision by the Executive.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said he was satisfied that that the existing regime was strong enough to prevent disease outbreaks at rural shows, expecting those where livestock is bought and sold.

Proposals for tighter control of animal gathering were made after the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak, but rural show organisers said the proposed license would have a detrimental impact on small rural shows.

Lochhead said:

“I am confident that what is now being proposed will go some considerable way towards addressing the issues and concerns raised by those involved in running shows and exhibitions. Shows and exhibitions will now be exempt from the requirement to apply for a licence except for those where stock are to be bought and sold.

“With this exception, the Order will now apply only to gatherings associated with the activities of markets and collection centres. While there will be some tightening up of the statutory guidance issued to shows and exhibitions, the overall impact should be minimal.”

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