Emergency shipment of straw to Westray

This week Westray farmers will be receiving an emergency shipment of straw from the Scottish mainland.

In recognition of the specific needs of the island’s livestock farmers, a group of stakeholders — NFU Scotland, Scottish Government, rural charity RSABI and Ringlink Machinery Ring — have organised supplies of straw and the hiring of a cargo vessel to ship the straw directly to Westray.

Straw destined for the island is usually shipped to the Orkney Mainland first.

Due to the exceptionally wet weather this summer some farmers have struggled to produce the necessary volumes of feed and bedding required for their stock this coming winter.

The first shipment of straw will leave Montrose Port on October 29, on board the MV Burhou.

Weather permitting, the ship will make three trips in order for the required volume of straw to be delivered to the island.