Caithness farmer admits cattle husbandry offences – but father not guilty

A Caithness farmer has been fined £1500 for breaching cattle regulations.

Alexander Oag, whose address was given as Waterloo Farm, near Wick, admitted having failed to notify Scottish ministers of the death of a cow within seven days of its death.

The 38-year-old further admitted applying an ear tag of an animal previously used as an identification code for a different beast.

The two charges, covering a period between March 1 and April 18, 2019, were brought under the Cattle Identification (Scotland) regulations of 2007.

Wick Sheriff Court heard on Tuesday that Oag, a first offender, and his father, Peter ran three farms at Waterloo, Northfield and Brims Mains, although the latter was now, essentially, retired.

Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said that the business, established some 70 years ago, had a reputation for "good husbandry" over its 70 years and it had taken part in a variety of environmental schemes.

A plea of not guilty by Peter Oag (75), of West Park House, Wick, to the charges, was accepted by fiscal depute Grant McLennan.

The case was originally tabled on indictment but had subsequently been reduced to summary level.