Scotland
Scotland hosts a thriving pet industry ecosystem, from independent retailers and grooming salons to distributors and manufacturers serving both rural and urban markets. Pet Gazette covers business activity across the country — including store launches, supply chain operations, regulatory developments, and regional buying patterns. We also report on devolved government policies affecting animal welfare, licensing, and retail compliance. Whether you operate in Glasgow, Edinburgh, the Highlands, or beyond, this tag offers commercial insight tailored to pet sector professionals active in the Scottish market.
-
Apr- 2021 -13 AprilAppointment
Mackle Petfoods appoints new business development manager
Mackle Petfoods has appointed David Shorthouse as its new business development manager, a move that will see a bigger focus to work more closely with independent retail and the pet trade across the UK. While the group has seen its brand Naturo Natural Pet Foods reach shops in countries as…
Read More » -
13 AprilRegulation
Rabbit legislation too ‘focused’ on commercial activities, says report
A review by Scotland’s Rural Collect (SURC) has revealed that rabbits are under-represented in most legislation, despite being the UK’s third most popular pet. Researchers at the SURC found pet legislation is generally focused on commercial activities involving animals, such as pet sales, products, exhibitions, and regulation relating to dog…
Read More » -
Mar- 2021 -17 MarchCoronavirus
Non-essential Scottish retail to begin reopening on 5 April
First minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday (16 March) that lockdown restrictions affecting some non-essential retailers will be eased as soon as next month. Garden centres, homeware stores, non-essential click-and-collect services and hairdressers will be able to reopen as soon as 5 April. Most non-essential retailers will continue to be closed…
Read More » -
5 MarchTrade Organisations
Bira urges Sunak to extend business rates relief for full year
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is appealing to Chancellor Rishi Sunak to extend the 100% business rates relief in England for a full year. The plea follows a decision by the government in Wales earlier this week to give retailers 100% rates relief until next March. In February, Scotland…
Read More » -
3 MarchCharities
SSPCA and Blue Cross launch joint research study
The Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) and Blue Cross have launched a joint research study with the University of Edinburgh to identify ways to reach people living with pets in hard-to-reach, minority or vulnerable communities. Together, the two charities intend to take a “user-centred approach” to find effective ways to help pet…
Read More » -
Feb- 2021 -24 FebruaryCoronavirus
Scotland to reopen non-essential retail from 26 April
First minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that non-essential retailers in Scotland will be able to reopen from 26 April. Sturgeon outlined the country’s exit out of lockdown restrictions yesterday (23 February), giving businesses a timeframe of when they can expect to reopen. Scotland’s stay-at-home order is likely to remain in…
Read More » -
22 FebruaryGovernment & Legislation
Kennel Club praises ‘crack down’ on Scottish puppy farms
The Kennel Club has come out in support of ‘Lucy’s Law’, the Scottish government’s new legislation which is “cracking down” on Scottish puppy farms. Under ‘Lucy’s Law’, puppies and kittens will no longer be allowed to be sold in the country by a third party seller, such as pet shops…
Read More » -
17 FebruaryCoronavirus
Scottish retailers see business rates relief extended for 12 months
Scottish retail, hospitality, leisure and aviation businesses will pay no rates throughout the next year, under new plans outlined by finance secretary Kate Forbes. The extension is part of £1.1bn consequential funding arising from UK government coronavirus spending. Forbes, who had already announced plans for a three-month extension in her…
Read More » -
17 FebruaryGovernment & Legislation
Kennel Club praises change to Scottish breeding regulations
Kennel Club has praised the Scottish government for removing business tests from Scottish breeding regulations. The pet welfare organisation welcomed the government’s shift in policy and breaking away from previous licencing laws in England. The regulations, which are due to come into play from September, outline that breeders in Scotland…
Read More » -
9 FebruaryCharities
SSPCA issues update on ‘bogus inspectors’ stealing animals
The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) has issued an update about “bogus inspectors” after receiving intelligence from a member of the public. The charity revealed that on 4 February 2021 it had learnt of people posing as inspectors to dupe people into handing over their…
Read More »
