Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson today welcomed confirmation that movement restrictions for infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) on fish farms in the south west Shetland mainland area are to be revoked.

Restrictions had been in place since 2009.

‘This is clearly good news for the reputation of the Scottish aquaculture industry and is a healthy reflection of close cooperation between the Scottish salmon aquaculture industry and Marine Scotland following the outbreak of ISA in 2009," Mr Stevenson said.

“Scotland is now recognized as being free of ISA. This makes a significant contribution to the sustainability of the Scottish salmon aquaculture industry and helps maintain the  high health status of Scotland's farmed fish.

“Going forward we all need to remain vigilant to ensure that we can minimize the potential for any further occurrence. “

Scott Landsburgh, Chief Executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation (SSPO) said: "It is very good news that the two year surveillance is now over and Shetland resumes its full health status. The Scottish Government's pragmatic approach to handling the issue and working with the industry has been an excellent example of timely, efficient collaboration."