On February 24 and 25, farmers, crofters, and other representatives from the farming industries on Scotland’s islands met in Inverness for the first inter-island meeting to discuss animal disease control and develop action plans for each of the islands.
More than 20 islanders from Orkney, Shetland, and Lewis & Harris shared their experiences, and highlighted the similarities and differences between their communities, to develop practical solutions around animal disease control.
Discussions were lively, and representatives from each of the islands were given time to share their unique thoughts and perspectives. Much of the conversation focused on practical measures which could benefit remote island communities where resources are limited.
Attendees arranged to keep in touch – both online and in person – to build a long-lasting collaborative network focused on ensuring a sustainable and healthy livestock industry on the Scottish islands. Collaboration will help the industry become resilient and able to address changes that can occur as a result of climate change and new disease challenges.
The meeting was hosted by researchers from The James Hutton Institute and the Moredun Research Institute and funded by the EPIC Centre of Expertise on Animal Disease Outbreaks and the Scottish Government Strategic Research Programme.
Dr Claire Hardy, a social researcher and project facilitator at the Hutton who helped host the meeting, said:
“It was great to see representatives from all the islands coming together in one room, to talk, share experiences and develop a vision of their best liveable future in terms of animal disease control, working towards sustainable livestock production on the islands.”
Dr Stew Burgess, from the Moredun Research Institute, said:
“This is a really positive and proactive initiative, which has seen key stakeholders from across the Scottish Islands coming together to discuss the challenges and opportunities around working together to ensure the highest standards of animal health and welfare and future sustainable livestock production.”
@ credit image: Picture provided by the James Hutton Institute, shows the meeting in progress.