Commenting as the deadline for introduction of sheep EID in Scotland draws closer, Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesman Liam McArthur MSP said:

"The introduction of sheep EID across Scotland will add cost and inconvenience for our sheep farmers, in return for little or no benefit to the consumer.

"Scottish Ministers are nevertheless pressing ahead with introduction of the proposals, but are yet to make clear how they intend to implement the scheme, despite repeated calls for them to do so. As the industry will be expected to comply with the new rules from the beginning of next month, Ministers are running out of time to make decisions.

"It is vital that Richard Lochhead wastes no more time in declaring whether or not he will help meet the costs of the database that will be required under the EID scheme. Without this support, it is difficult to see how Ministers can expect their proposals to work.

"Similarly, I have been pressing the government to ensure that movements within farm businesses are excluded under the scheme in Scotland. I hope these calls will be heeded.

"Whatever approach he chooses to take, however, the Minister must now provide clarity as a matter of urgency."