Commenting on the Scottish Government’s package of support for the pig industry, Rural Affairs spokesperson Mike Rumbles said:

“Despite the SNP’s spin, the pig industry will be bitterly disappointed by the half-hearted and half-baked measures announced by the Government today.

“Nearly a quarter of the funding announced today is not new money, just recycled pledges from the SNP. Contrary to the key recommendations of Richard Lochhead’s own Scottish Pig Sector Task Force, there is also no money for pig producers.

“This was an opportunity for the Government to take serious action to support Scotland’s beleaguered pig industry, but it has turned out to be yet another slap in the face for Scottish pig farmers.

“The SNP is letting down Scotland’s farmers at the time they most need support. With rocketing feed and fuel prices, international competition and the Foot and Mouth outbreak, Scotland’s pig industry has slipped into crisis.

“This announcement will not be welcomed by pig farmers, who had been hoping for some genuine action, not more spin, from the SNP.”