Questions remain over future of Thurso vet lab - Lib Dems (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale Liberal Democrats)

Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Questions remain over future of Thurso vet lab - Lib Dems

April 1, 2009 1:01 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP and local MSP for Thurso Jamie Stone have accused the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) of leaving too many questions unanswered following their latest announcement on the Disease Surveillance Centre at Thurso.

The SAC have reached an agreement to maintain services at the Thurso lab following the death of its former Veterinary Manager Dr Sandy Clark in December last year.

Liam McArthur MSPCommenting, Mr McArthur said:

"The SAC claims it is committed to the Thurso vet lab, but their latest assurances still leaves many key questions unanswered.

"The new arrangement will see different offices responsible for post mortem, laboratory and report work. Farmers and other animal owners remain concerned about the prospect of delays in getting back test results and the potentially serious consequences this has for animal welfare.

"It is not clear that the SAC have made any attempt to recruit a suitable replacement for Dr Sandy Clark. This only serves to heighten suspicion over the long term plans for the lab.

"The Environment Secretary says that this is simply a matter for the SAC. Given the level of Government funding for SAC and the impact any run down of the Thurso lab would have on farming in the Highlands and Islands, this position is simply untenable.

"Richard Lochhead must act, and act soon to remove this continuing uncertainty".

Jamie Stone MSPLocal Highland Liberal Democrat MSP Jamie Stone added:

"The SAC has failed to address the key question of what the long term plans are for the Thurso vet lab and the people who work there.

"Richard Lochhead must take a close look at what is going on here immediately.

"The centre has been invaluable to crofters and farmers in the Highlands in terms of animal welfare and disease surveillance. Every effort must be made to make sure that it continues into the future."