Scotland: National Rural Network
The Scottish Government has announced that hot branding of horses and ponies will be banned. Currently hot branding can only be carried out where specific permission is given but no more authorisations are to be granted.
New regulations will be laid in the Scottish Parliament in September to remove the exemption which allows the hot branding of equine animals to take place.
The Scottish Government has announced some adjustments to bovine tuberculosis (TB) protocols in Scotland. Scotland has been officially bovine TB free for almost a year.
The Scottish Government say their Officially Tuberculosis Free (OTF) Implementation Plan has maintained the country's low and stable incidence of TB and helped to identify risk factors for the new incidents that continue to arise.
An updated Urban Rural Classification document has been published today by the Scottish Government. There are changes to the classification of some settlements including Tranent, Gretna and Kincardine.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead has approved rules which aims to ensure farmers receive subsidies based on their level of production and environmental activity.
Moves to tighten the rules include plans to close the loophole which allows some farmers to receive Single Farm Payments despite carrying out little or no farming activities. The rules are proposed in the short term recommendations from the Inquiry into Future Agricultural Support in Scotland chaired by Brian Pack.
A number of changes to the Rural Priorities scheme have been announced today by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead.
Ever wished you could find out what people are really thinking? Well, now you can - and you don't have to be a mindreader! A new feature on the Rural Network website means you'll be able to design and launch your own consultation about any subject you want.
Whether you're trying to gauge interest in a local service or demonstrating support for a new funding application, the Rural Network Consultations Page will enable you to find out what people are really thinking, and to make sure your voice is heard.
The Scottish National Rural Network is pleased to announce, in partnership with the European Network for Rural Development, a major EU Rural Cooperation Fair, taking place in Murrayfield Rugby Stadium, Edinburgh on 23rd and 24th September 2010 and to offer you the chance to attend.
The Scottish Government have announced a new Livestock Grazing in Woodland option for Rural Priorities and the availablity of rhododendron management within woodlands.
Rural Priorities is part of the £1.6 billion Scotland Rural Development Programme which delivers environmental, social and economic benefits to rural Scotland.
The Scottish Government SRDP website says:
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A new short-term working group has been set up to look at partnership approaches to animal health and welfare in Scotland. The Expert Forum will look at ways to take forward responsibility and cost sharing, with a focus on exotic disease.
