THE UK'S departure date from the EU has been delayed until October 31 – and the farming industry has urged Westminster to use this time to come to a solution which will avoid a 'no deal' outcome.

National Sheep Association chairman Bryan Griffiths commented: “What we can’t afford is to find ourselves six months down the line in the same position, risking a 'no deal' again. We’re relying on our politicians now to come up with a viable solution which moves this process forward – and something that offers farmers the security they need.

"NSA is still very clear that a 'no deal' is not acceptable to the sheep industry. But we hope this time will be used to develop a deal that’s beneficial and would allow the free trade so essential to our industry,” he urged.

NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick said: “Although a new deadline for Brexit has been agreed, the reality is that if we leave the European Union at any point in the future without a deal, the impacts would be felt by every farming and crofting businesses from Shetland to Stranraer.

“It is important to reiterate that there is concern from all sectors of Scottish agriculture about the potential cost to business from a cliff-edge Brexit and the impact that the uncertainty and stress is having on all those within our industry,” he continued.

“I urge the UK Government and Scottish Government to facilitate emergency discussions across all sectors to ensure that we are prepared for the worst possible outcome.”