Innovative device to transform lamb welfare in the Highlands and Islands

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has granted Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) £139,500 towards the purchase of ClipFitter devices, clips and cradles.

Developed by Brian Eadie of Eadie Bros & Co Ltd, the devices offer a more animal and environmentally friendly method of castration and tail docking.

Early evidence suggests it could also improve business efficiency, with healthier lambs that reach market weight earlier.

SRUC plans to pilot the approach with crofters in Shetland, the northwest coast and the wider Inverness area starting in this month (March). Devices will be distributed directly to stock-keepers or held at local SRUC offices for shared use among crofters.

Andrea McColl, senior development manager for life sciences at HIE, said:

“This innovation is a major advancement in lamb welfare, offering a kinder and more efficient alternative to traditional practices while also boosting business efficiency. Early evidence is promising, suggesting that lambs treated with this method are healthier. The project highlights our dedication to driving innovation and strengthening the agricultural community throughout the Highlands and Islands.”

Cathy Dwyer, Professor of animal welfare at SRUC, said: 

“Castration of lambs can be a necessary procedure on farms in the Highlands and Islands. SRUC research has shown that current, widely used methods are painful, and may reduce growth rate and increase mortality. Practical methods to address this are urgently needed to improve lamb welfare.”

The Scottish Government is also offering funding for veterinarians through the Small Producers Pilot Fund to raise awareness among crofters and smallholders about higher-welfare castration and tail docking methods.

Working in partnership with SRUC, vets in the Highlands and Islands will have access to Clipfitter devices for demonstration purposes and to loan out to small producers for use on their lambs.

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said:

“I am well aware that there are circumstances where it is necessary for farmers to castrate or dock the tails of their lambs, so it’s good to know that there are new methods available which cause less pain and are better for animal welfare.

“That’s why we have made funding available through the Small Producers Pilot Fund for vets to raise awareness with crofters and smallholders about new higher welfare methods. I am pleased that HIE and SRUC are working together to support farmers.”

HIE and SRUC have a long-standing partnership, working together to build the region’s reputation as leaders in animal health, aquaculture and agri-tech research and innovation. This partnership aims to grow businesses, attract inward investment and create employment opportunities.