Orkney Auction Mart LTD is among those who have taken a unique approach to create designated spaces for livestock purchasers around sale rings as part of measures to control the spread of Covid-19.
Seats have been placed around the ring, each of which are an appropriate distance apart, with Perspex screens also fitted.
“We take the safety and wellbeing of our staff and customers very seriously and continue to follow the strict guidelines set out by government.” a mart spokesperson said in a statement.
“We ask that only livestock buyers sit around the ringside, in order for them to see the cattle clearly and the auctioneer sees them bid clearly.”
“Only 1 vendor from each household is allowed in to see their cattle sold. We ask that you phone the office in the morning and register to come in. We will tell you (roughly) when your cattle will be sold.”
“Please abide by the 2-metre distancing and sanitise your hands as you sign in and out of the market, and please leave as soon as your cattle are sold.”
“We are grateful our sales can carry on and are forever grateful to our loyal buyers who are coming up via plane and ferry to support our produce.”
“In the meantime, we wish everyone the best of health, and hope you all stay safe.”
The newly-created designated spaces have been described as “bidding boxes” by some farmer customers at other marts that have introduced them.
Images: Orkney Auction Mart LTD / Facebook
