Ross Finnie announced the move

August and September are crucial times for the animal markets which account for a large proportion of farmers' incomes.

On Thursday, Mr Finnie said: "I am fully aware of the important role which markets play, particularly in the autumn, by moving both sheep and cattle through the marketing chain.

"I also recognise that the uncertainty as to whether or not any markets can be held this autumn is a source of considerable concern particularly in the remoter areas."

He pointed out that foot-and-mouth disease in the UK had initially spread from a small number of infected animals going through a mart.

"It would take only a small number of infected animals mixing with others this autumn to take us back to where we started," he said.

Alex Ferguson is to meet Ross Finnie

"Much of the disease now showing up in England and Wales comes from animals that have been harbouring old infection, without anyone realising it.

"There could be latent disease in sheep in Scotland and it is highly irresponsible of anyone to ignore this risk - or to suggest that farmers will turn to illegal movements as a way round present controls."

However, he said the Scottish Executive would be working with the industry in an effort to find ways of allowing market transactions which minimised the risks.

Mr Finnie said this would not be possible before the end of August - but predicted that there could be some sales outwith previously infected areas from September.

"Any markets, however, would be subject to extremely strict biosecurity and other necessary controls," he added.

Livestock farming

The subject was among the issues raised when Mr Fergusson meets Mr Finnie on Thursday.

Speaking before the meeting, Mr Fergusson - who stressed he was speaking as the Tory rural affairs spokesman - pointed out that thousands of animals changed hands every autumn in Scotland.

"People need that to continue their business of livestock farming.

"If that is not allowed to happen in an open and accessible way there will be a temptation, particularly for those who are desperately in need of replacement stock, to go about it in another way," he said.

The last of Scotland's 187 cases of foot-and-mouth outbreak was confirmed in the Borders at the end of May.