Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has welcomed the lifting of the stock movement ban in the Islands. The lifting of the ban, introduced in response to the foot and mouth outbreak in Surrey, means that livestock can be moved anywhere within the area of the Western Isles. An exemption has also been granted for Shetland and Orkney.

Norman A MacDonald, Chairman of the Comhairle’s Environment and Protective Services Committee, said: “This is good news for the islands and in particular for the crofting sector. However, vigilance will be required to ensure that cattle, sheep, pigs and other live animals susceptible to foot and mouth disease are not brought on to the islands from the mainland.   People must remain vigilant and maintain all other protective measures already in place. Breaches such as bringing in susceptible animals to the islands will prejudice the arrangements being introduced.”