Basis of Eligibility
Below are the basis for the eligibility of both practices and clients involved in the Highlands & Islands Veterinary Service Scheme.
Practice
- Any practice in the designated area may be considered for entry to the Scheme provided it has operated effectively in that area for a minimum period of 3 years.
- Practices already eligible under the Scheme are listed in Areas Covered.
- The Executive may terminate membership of the Scheme if, at any time, the general economic nature of the designated area should change or if the practice is deemed to be in breach of its agreement.
Client
Persons in the following categories will be eligible to participate in the Scheme:
- Crofters who are either wholly dependent on their holding for their livelihood or, where they have some other sources of income, their economic status does not differ materially from that of those crofters who are so dependent;
- Other land based workers such as shepherds, estate workers and gamekeepers whose economic status is similar to eligible persons in the first category.
It is the responsibility of the qualifying practice to decide on the eligibility both of the client and of the visit itself for subsidy under the Scheme.
Client's liability
Qualifying clients will be charged a flat rate fee set annually by the Executive for each eligible consultative or advisory visit by a member of the eligible practice. This fee will cover the initial inspection of the animals concerned and is the client's contribution towards the cost of the veterinary surgeon's visit.
In addition to this charge the client will require to pay for the cost of medicine supplied, operations performed, and any other charges which may be imposed by the veterinary surgeon (this will be a matter for the vet and the client to decide). In cases where a veterinary surgeon visits a Township to carry out multiple routine tasks such as de-horning, castration, vaccinations etc and arrangements are made for all the animals involved to be gathered at a focal point (eg the fank), only one standard visit fee will be charged to the Township, irrespective of the number of Scheme clients involved. Where not all the owners are eligible for assistance under the Scheme, charges will be a matter between them and the visiting vet.
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