Speaking at the recent SAMW conference McGowan made a sharp call for SAMW members not to be asked to pay more for official controls under whatever potential new system Food Standards Scotland (FSS) comes up with following the Hallmark review.

McGowan said: “We are aware that FSS is currently in the midst of a review to establish what should be done to ensure continuity of delivery so that the statutory service levels are maintained.

“We’re also advised that regardless of the eventual outcome of this review, delivery costs will rise as it will cost more to hire in vets in the immediate future.

“However, the Scottish red meat sector is simply not in a position to absorb any extra costs, even if they were justified, which they are not. Under the current cost recovery model, which is barely a year old, we already pay over £40 per hour for a vet and £30+ for a meat inspector.

“That equates to an annual salary of £84k and £62k respectively, yet it appears the individual vets are scarcely receiving an annual salary of £25k.

“So, from the outside looking in, it does not appear to us that there should any problem in recruiting staff of the right calibre.

“It will therefore come as no surprise to anyone in this room that our rock solid position is that the conclusion of this process must not result in any increase coming our way and could, with a little imagination and endeavour, actually bring these costs down.”

Stepping up to become senior vice president is Billy Stewart, group trading manager with AK Stoddart, Broxburn and Ayr.

Joining the top team as junior vice president is John McMaster, technical Manager with ABP Perth.

• You can read more about the SAMW conference in the next issue of Meat Management.