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Scotland's Roslin Institute awarded £10m
Research funding to boost livestock industry

The Roslin Institute in Midlothian has been granted £10 million by the government to improve livestock research.

The funding will help the institute keep Scotland at the forefront of international livestock research, after it cloned the first ever mammal from an adult cell, Dolly the sheep, seven years ago.

Developments for a new National Avian Research Facility already taking place at the University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush campus will be complemented by the investment.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said the institute benefits farmers both at home and abroad.

"Attracting capital funding for new infrastructure and creating employment opportunities in Midlothian is a key objective of the Easter Bush Research Consortium, of which the Roslin Institute is a part," he said.

"This investment should benefit all members of the consortium and will help to create a fantastic resource for Scotland and the world."

Michael Russell, cabinet secretary for education, made the announcement.

He said: "Scotland has great strength and expertise across many research fields and the Roslin Institute is leading the way in the animal health sector. We want to build on existing excellence to develop our reputation in research and maximise the benefits for our economy.

"By investing in our research and development capacity, we will help sustain and improve Scotland’s livestock industry while leading efforts to relieve poverty in developing countries. It will position Scotland at the forefront of animal science research across the globe."

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.