Plans for new abattoir get funding boost in Orkney

Orkney’s farmers, crofters, and producers could soon benefit from a new local abattoir, thanks to a £15,000 grant to Orkney Auction Mart to develop a business case for the facility.

The new processing plant aims to enhance market access, support high-welfare meat production, and boost the island’s economy.

The funding is part of the Scottish government’s Small Producers Pilot Fund, which has allocated £256,500 to assist private kill abattoirs across Scotland, including those in Shetland, Wishaw, Barra, Dingwall, and Mull.

See also: Beef prices rocket in Scotland as destocking takes its toll

The fund aims to increase the resilience of small producers by improving access to training, skills, food supply chains, and further processing.

First minister John Swinney visited Orkney Auction Mart to announce the funding.

He spoke about the Scottish government’s commitment to supporting small producers. “We know that local marts and abattoirs play an important role in supporting island businesses and ensuring the best animal welfare.

“A new facility in Orkney would bring many benefits for the people who live and work here, supporting economic growth in the area and the future sustainability of the island’s food production industry.”

The new abattoir is seen as a crucial step in supporting local farming communities.

Alan Corrigall, chairman of Orkney Auction Mart, said: “We were delighted to welcome the first minister to Orkney to explain, first hand, how vital a new abattoir is for our community. Our case has been well received and we very much welcome the Scottish government’s support.”

Local Orkney secretary John Laughton, who represents NFU Scotland on the abattoir steering group, was amongst those who met with the First Minister Mr Swinney on his visit to Orkney. 

Mr Laughton said: “NFU Scotland is heavily involved in making this development happen and are 100% supportive of a new abattoir for Orkney. 

“Orkney, with one of the largest populations of beef suckler cows in Scotland, would very much benefit from the abattoir’s development. 

“Our premium brand of Orkney beef needs animals to be born, reared and slaughtered in Orkney and for that to happen we need modern, state of the art abattoir and processing facilities.” 

Declining stock numbers

This announcement comes amid concerns over declining livestock numbers in Scotland, particularly cattle, sheep, and pigs, according to the latest Scottish Agricultural Census.

The total beef breeding herd had dropped by 12% in the past decade, now standing at just 382,600 head.

A reduction in livestock can cause ripple effects across the supply chain, impacting hauliers, livestock markets, and abattoirs.

The new funding and abattoir development provide a hopeful prospect for Orkney’s farming future.

Calls within the industry to reinstate an abattoir in Orkney have been mounting in recent months.

Orkney’s last remaining abattoir in Hatston, Kirkwall, closed in January 2018, mainly due to increased maintenance costs and key resources, in particular the lack of availability of availability of technical staff.