Dave Thompson MSP

Today Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, has welcomed the news that the Skye and Lochalsh area is one step closer to having an abattoir.

Commenting on the news, Mr Thompson said: “I am delighted to hear that the Skye and Lochalsh Meat Supply Group (SLMSG) has appointed Rachael Jackson to bring the abattoir plans to fruition, following last year’s publication by the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) which concluded that a micro-abattoir could be viable in the Skye and Lochalsh area.

“This will be great news for farmers and crofters in the area, as it will cut down on the lengthy treks that have to be made to get to the nearest abattoir which is also in my constituency in Dingwall.

“I congratulate Rachael on her new position and look forward to working with her in the future.”

Note:

Press Release from the Scottish Crofting Federation:

SKYE AND LOCHALSH ABATTOIR MOVES FORWARD An abattoir for the Skye and Lochalsh area has moved a significant step closer with the engagement of a project officer to take the plans forward.

Skye and Lochalsh Meat Supply Group (SLMSG) has appointed Rachael Jackson to bring the abattoir to reality, following the publication of a report last year by Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) which concluded that a micro-abattoir could be viable.

Rachael, who farms at Orbost with husband Keith, will be contracted for eight months to bring the project towards a "shovel ready" stage, including developing a funding package. Her remit will also include obtaining estimates, identifying a site from the options in the report, and starting discussions on planning issues, waste management and meat inspection, as well as establishing contact with operators of other remote and island abattoirs and determining the optimum business structure. Rachael will be assisted in technical design by Peadar Ó Donnghaile of MacTec (Scotland) Ltd.

The abattoir project officer position is being funded by Edinbane Community Company, Struan Community Trust, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and The Highland Council. MacTec (Scotland) Ltd will contribute work in kind.

The SAC report, commissioned by the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) and funded by the Scottish Government can be found on the SCF website www.crofting.org/uploads/news/abattoir_report.pdf