Aberdeenshire Trading Standards

Aberdeenshire Trading Standards were out in Turriff today carrying out routine inspections of retail premises. A small number of hot water bottles have been identified that were past their recommended lifespan.

These items have now been removed from sale to protect consumer safety.

Hot water bottles can deteriorate over time and may split or leak, posing a burn risk if used beyond their safe life. We encourage consumers to regularly check their hot water bottles and replace them as recommended by the manufacturer.

✅ Check for a manufacturing date on the bottle (usually shown as a “daisy wheel”)
✅ Replace bottles typically every 2–3 years, or sooner if signs of wear appear
✅ Dispose of old bottles safely

Our officers will continue to work with local businesses to ensure products on sale meet safety standards.

We were pleased to be working yesterday with some of our favourite colleagues – Boo and Rosie, specially trained to***co detection dogs from Consumer Protection Dogs. 🐾 Here's Boo with what we seized yesterday.

Together with Police Scotland North East and Home Office Immigration Enforcement, we supported action targeting serious and organised crime groups operating in Aberdeenshire.

A common misconception is that illicit to***co is simply cheap imports. In reality, much of it is fake, often produced using contaminated and poor‑quality materials, posing real risks to public health as well as undermining legitimate businesses.

Another strong result from partnership working.

🔷BLUETONGUE🔷

The Bluetongue (Scotland) Order 2012

The midges that spread bluetongue are now active and the recent warm weather means the virus is now able to replicate inside the midges and can be spread by them to other susceptible animals. Animals can also be infected through germinal products (semen, ova or embryos).

Temperatures in many areas of Europe are also high, so newly bluetongue infected midges in these areas can also spread the disease. The risk of transmission from midges blown across the channel has therefore increased.

The risk of spread of bluetongue virus (serotypes BTV-3, BTV-8 and BTV-12) from all routes remains at medium (occurs regularly).

We therefore urge all livestock keepers in Great Britain (GB) to familiarise themselves with the nation specific bluetongue control policies and movement requirements that currently apply.

Movement controls – new rules come into force in Scotland from 01 June 2026

Movement requirements may differ between England, Scotland and Wales. Before moving, selling or breeding livestock, please check the rules that apply in your nation:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/bluetongue/pages/bluetongue-movement-restrictions-for-animals/

Vaccinating individual animals against bluetongue is the best way to protect them, and it is strongly recommended that livestock keepers seek vaccination advice from their vet.

Report suspicion of disease

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease so if you suspect it, even in animals that have been vaccinated for BTV-3 or BTV-8, you must report it immediately as failure to do so is breaking the law. Please see GOV.UK for more information.

What this means for your business

Understanding national policies and movement rules will help you:

· Avoid delays or compliance issues at markets or borders
· Protect your livestock from disease risk
· Maintain business continuity during peak midge season
· Support safe movements/trade within GB and internationally.
Actions to take now

· Review your nation’s bluetongue policy using the links above
· Speak to your vet about whether vaccination is appropriate for your herd/flock
· Check movement requirements before moving, selling or exporting animals or animal products
· Report any suspect signs of disease promptly.
Where to find the latest bluetongue information

https://www.gov.scot/publications/bluetongue/pages/bluetongue-movement-restrictions-for-animals/

If you want to ensure you get the latest bluetongue related information, you can register with the APHA animal disease alert subscription service to receive emails or texts about the latest exotic notifiable animal disease outbreaks in GB.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apha-alert-subscription-service

Thank you for taking action to protect livestock health across GB.

Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease Scottish Government advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.

We’ve received a number of reports of individuals going door-to-door offering roofing and property services in the Aberdeenshire area. Today officers have attended at incidents in the Ellon area this morning and Westhill in the afternoon.

Be cautious: businesses should not need to cold call to generate work. Watch out for common pressure tactics such as claims they are “working nearby” or have “leftover materials” available at a discount.

Our advice is to never agree to work or make payments to unsolicited doorstep callers.
If you’re concerned or feel suspicious, report it to Aberdeenshire Council Trading Standards immediately:
* 01467 539539
* [email protected]
For all other independent consumer advice, contact Consumer Advice Scotland on 0808 164 6000.

IPO Counter-Infringement

Fakes can appear on second-hand platforms, which is why we’re working with industry to improve protections and help shoppers spot the signs early.

Read more about our partnership with Vinted to develop new guidance: https://ipo.blog.gov.uk/2026/05/28/working-together-to-tackle-fakes-how-vinted-and-government-are-strengthening-trust-online/

Doorstep Callers Warning
We’ve received a number of reports of individuals going door-to-door offering roofing and property services across Aberdeenshire, including some claiming to represent “Kingdom Coatings”.
We are particularly concerned by reports of callers ignoring “No Cold Calling” stickers — a reputable company would not do this. If you have a “No Cold Calling” sticker and still receive visits, please let us know — photos or videos help.
Be cautious: businesses should not need to cold call to generate work. Watch out for common pressure tactics such as claims they are “working nearby” or have “leftover materials” available at a discount.
Our advice: never agree to work or make payments to unsolicited doorstep callers.
If you’re concerned or feel suspicious, report it to Aberdeenshire Council Trading Standards immediately:
* 01467 539539
* [email protected]
For all other independent consumer advice, contact Consumer Advice Scotland on 0808 164 6000.

Did you know that New Arc Wildlife Rescue is a licensed Animal Welfare Establishment?

Animal Welfare Establishment Licensing is something that often happens quietly in the background, but it plays an incredibly important role in ensuring high standards of care for animals in captivity, including wildlife rescue centres such as New Arc Wildlife Rescue.

Scotland is currently the only devolved nation in the UK where animal welfare establishment licensing specifically includes wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centres. We believe this is an important and positive step for wildlife welfare and for maintaining professional standards within the sector.

For wildlife rehabilitation centres, licensing provides external oversight, accountability and reassurance that facilities, husbandry, veterinary care, record keeping, staffing and welfare standards are being maintained to a high level. It helps ensure that rescued wildlife receive appropriate care throughout their rehabilitation journey, from admission through to release.

While inspections and compliance requirements can be demanding, we believe this is ultimately a very positive thing. Good regulation helps protect animal welfare, supports professionalism within the sector and provides confidence to the public, supporters and partner organisations that centres are operating responsibly and transparently.

Wildlife rescue work is often carried out under significant pressure, with rising caseloads and limited resources, so having constructive relationships with regulators who understand the realities of animal welfare work is incredibly valuable.

We would like to say a sincere thank you to all of the team at Aberdeenshire Trading Standards, who oversee licensing within our region. Their professionalism, support and genuine passion for animal welfare is greatly appreciated, and we are grateful for the collaborative approach they bring to helping maintain high welfare standards for wildlife in care.

Aberdeenshire Council