Under the update, SPECC will only recognise main holding numbers as providing Scotch Potential Eligibility (SPE) status on an animal. Additional holdings will no longer confer SPE status unless they are CTS linked through ScotMoves, meaning livestock kept on separate holdings could be downgraded to Not Scotch Eligible (NSE) unless action is taken.
QMS has contacted keepers whose holdings are currently listed as additional holdings for one or more QMS members and where cattle or sheep hold SPE status. From the implementation date, animals on those holdings will lose their SPE status unless the holding becomes QMS assured as a primary (main) CPH, or the holdings are CTS linked through ScotMoves on the ScotEID website.
Members have been advised that, to maintain SPE status for animals moving off an affected holding after 31 March 2026, they must join the QMS Cattle and Sheep Assurance Scheme with that holding as the primary CPH before any movements take place. Alternatively, if the holding should in fact be the primary holding of an existing QMS membership, this can be updated by contacting QMS.
For the majority of businesses who keep cattle on more than one farm or grass lets, if the holdings will be registered under one primary CPH number with additional holdings CTS linked, their cattle will be unaffected by the change. If farmers and crofters routinely record within-business movements from a QMS primary CPH on to an additional holding, there is the option of setting up the holding as a ScotMoves additional holding. In such cases, movements can be recorded without being passported, meaning SPECC status will be unaffected.
Kathryn Kerr, Head of Brands Integrity at Quality Meat Scotland, said: “The opportunity to further enhance the Scotch Potential Eligibility Cattle Checker (SPECC), which going forward will only recognise main holdings as providing an SPE status on an animal, arrived whilst updating the QMS Traceability Checker, which replaced the previous 'PGI Checker' for Auction Marts and Processors. These upcoming changes protect the integrity of our Scotch brands, underpinned by quality assurance that promotes traceability, animal welfare and quality.
“Quality Meat Scotland and ScotEID have been consistently communicating the change to SPECC since summer 2025. The change was originally scheduled for November 2025 however, in order to make sure keepers have sufficient time to make any necessary changes, we delayed the implementation to 31 March 2026. We will also continue to monitor the business impact of this and we will work with any affected members to ensure the changes don’t take place before everyone we have liaised with has had the chance to implement any changes required.
“Only a small percentage of members are affected, and we are working with ScotEID and communicating with these members directly on the straightforward next steps. These may include linking your holding through Scotmoves, joining the scheme with an additional holding, or updating the relevant CPH numbers with our certification body."
QMS said the change is designed to strengthen traceability and protect the integrity of the Scotch brands, ensuring that each individual operation or business holds its own QMS membership where required.
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