Lyon calls for Shetland to be made exception to EID rule

12.00.00am GMT Wed 30th Dec 2009

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has called on Richard Lochhead to declare Lerwick harbour a critical control point and allow Shetland to only tag sheep going for export from the island.

Mr Lyon believes the Scottish Government should allow this derogation as Shetland has spent many years working towards high health status. All stock arriving in or leaving from Shetland do so through Lerwick harbour.

Commenting, Mr Lyon said:

"Richard Lochhead should grant Shetland an eleventh hour reprieve from EID. Shetland is a unique case in the EU and should be treated as such when the regulation comes into force.

"All imports and exports to the island come through at Lerwick harbour. From a practical point of view the harbour should be designated as a critical control point and farmers should be allowed to only tag sheep going for export.

"With Shetland's track record as a high health status area there is surely a strong case for the Scottish Government to allow a derogation from EID implementation."