The Department of Transport has granted a temporary relaxation to the drivers’ hours limit in the wake of the Quality Pork Ltd (QPL), Brechin, abattoir fire.

With no other large pig abattoirs in the country, the closest plant with spare capacity is the Tulip UK plan at Ashton-Under-Lyne near Manchester.

The temporary relaxation raises the fortnightly driving limit from 90 hours to 103 hours.

It only applies to haulage of live pigs to England. The measure is in place from 21 August to 17 September.

“This measure is essential for the welfare of animals and the effective operation of the supply chain,” said Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy.

“In the longer term, the Scottish Government will continue to work with the industry to explore opportunities to boost resilience in the Scottish pig processing sector.”

The impact of last week’s fire, which is still being investigated, means the number of pigs being moved weekly from Scotland to England will increase from 7,000 to around 12,000.

“An assessment of the plant is ongoing and it looks like it will be closed for another four to six weeks,” said Andy McGowan, chief executive of the Scottish pig producers. “Further clarity from QMS on country of origin branding on pigs processed in England is expected shortly.”