Farmers urged to follow Covid-19 advice or risk market closures

Failure to comply with Covid-19 rules at auction marts could result in market closures and the loss of thousands of pounds worth of trade.

That was the stark warning from auctioneers’ trade body the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAAS), which says a number of customers are showing complacency around coronavirus rules.

“Covid isn’t going anywhere and anyone who comes to a mart behaving as if it is risks more than just their own health,” said IAAS executive director Neil Wilson.

He urged any customer who feels unwell, or who may have been in contact with a positive Covid-19 case, to stay away from the mart as their attendance could lead to a market closing for up to two weeks.

“You sure don’t want to be that person that shuts a mart when it could have been avoided,” added Mr Wilson.

He urged farmers to follow the Covid-19 guidelines at markets – stay two metres apart from each other, make use of hand gel and washing stations frequently, and wear a face covering.