NSA Scotland seeks evidence and views on the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill

You may have recently seen that the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill introduced by Emma Harper MSP on 14th May 2020 has been progressing through Scottish Parliament. The Bill and the accompanying documents can be found here. It seeks to strengthen and update the law on livestock worrying, in the main, by amending the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.

NSA Scotland is actively seeking evidence and your views on the Bill which amends the existing law on what is called “livestock worrying”, whereby a dog chases, attacks or kills farmed animals to present to the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee. 
 

To read more please scroll down to our Latest News section below.

Formation of NSA Scotland Regional Advisory Groups 2020

At the most recent NSA Scotland Committee meeting, the subject of member engagement and current matters affecting the industry arose. In conclusion it was decided that the opportunity to form regional advisory groups would be offered to NSA Scotland members.

In such tumultuous and uncertain times, it is increasingly important your voice and opinions are heard and as such we feel this would be a way of ensuring current matters can be dealt with in an efficient manner. The intention would be for these regional advisory groups to meet a few times a year to discuss sheep issues that particularly affect your area whereby the points raised would be then put to Scottish Government or any other body involved in the industry. In the outset these meetings would take place on an online platform such as Zoom where video and telephone conferencing facilities are enabled and, in the future, to meet in person at least once a year.

Have a look at our Latest News section below for more details.

Scot Gov: New powers over CAP - Agriculture (Retained EU Law and Data) (Scotland) Bill

Legislation which allows the Common Agricultural Policy to be simplified and improved post-Brexit has passed Stage 1, following a debate in the Scottish Parliament.

The Agriculture (Retained EU Law and Data) (Scotland) Bill creates powers to enable Scottish Ministers to ensure CAP schemes can continue beyond this year and also modify retained EU Law in relation to the Common Agricultural Policy.

To read more, have a look at our Latest News section below.

Scottish Government issues statement on access rights during COVID-19

A statement by Scottish Ministers has been released today, 09 April 2020, on what exercising rights of access responsibly under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 means during the COVID-19 emergency.

To read more please see our Latest News section below.

CORONA VIRUS ADVICE FOR FARMERS WHILST TRAVELLING

During the current Coronavirus Covid-19 outbreak, farmers, as key workers, are advised to carry a document stating why they are travelling in case of being stopped and questioned by the emergency services. 

NSA Scotland members are also recommended to carry their NSA membership card with them.

Please follow the link to download a template letter for you to carry.

https://www.nationalsheep.org.uk/nsa-scotland/news/29231/advice-to-farmers-whilst-travelling-during-coronavirus-outbreak/