NFU Scotland has highlighted the importance and high welfare standards of animal transport to the Scottish livestock industry, following Defra’s earlier call for evidence on controlling live exports from the UK.

The Union expressed that the export market has a vital role to play in order to provide options for producers; and with the more recent closure of the abattoir in Orkney, live transport from Orkney to the mainland is a necessity.

Together, NFU Scotland and Serco NorthLink previously invited Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove to see how livestock is transported off of Orkney and Shetland, however the invitation for the minister was declined.