"Tackling decline in stock numbers must be a priority" - McGrigor

Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, today urged the Scottish Government to make retaining and indeed boosting the numbers of sheep and cattle being farmed in the rural and island areas of Scotland a key priority.

Jamie made the call during a Scottish Parliamentary debate on rural and environmental affairs where he also sought assurances on the impact of the electronic identification of sheep on producers. In addition, he called for more detail on how the SNP government will implement the Pack Inquiry recommendations to reform the Common Agricultural Policy. Jamie also covered Common Fisheries Policy reform, aquaculture and angling.

Jamie, who is the Scottish Conservative Environment Spokesman, said:

“ Retaining and indeed boosting stock numbers in our remote, rural and island communities- with all the connected infrastructure that accompanies the keeping of livestock- is one of my priorities and must be one for the Scottish Government too, especially after the worrying declines of the last few years.”