Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Ted Brocklebank commented on the call made last week for the immediate return of the First Minister to Scotland.

Mr Brocklebank, who is also the Conservatives’ Scottish rural development spokesman, said the last thing that had been needed was “an unnecessary sense of crisis.”

“The fact that Scotland’s poultry industry is worth £88 million, accounting for 5% of the nation’s agricultural output, should not be forgotten.

“Additionally, the East Neuk of Fife is about to enter one of its busiest periods with the Easter holidays approaching.”

* The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ plan to open its Middlebank wildlife centre in Inverkeithing at the weekend was cancelled as a result of the bird flu scare.

Bosses pulled the plug on the family event, which was aimed at encouraging more children to become members of the society. Staff said it was a precautionary measure.