Other than Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland avoided much of the foot and mouth epidemic that damaged and threatened much of the UK in the Spring and Summer of 2001. Little need be said of the impact the crisis had on farmers and the animals themselves. This photograph is of a farm 200 miles north of the nearest infected area and a reminder of the precautions taken, although none of the 200 miles Aberdeen to Edinburgh cycle route was closed in mid-May of 2001.From Edinburgh, heading south towards Newcastle, signs of the epidemic became more noticeable. Sections of cycle path between Edinburgh and Newcastle (Coast & Castles cycle route) were blocked and signs of white-suited workmen preparing the burial grounds for cattle on the Northumberland Coast were reminders of the foot & mouth problem. For cyclists, however, with a little improvisation and minor detour, most cycle routes were open again in May 2001.