NFU Scotland is to set up a development group to look into further options for livestock slaughtering and processing in the Scottish Borders, following the announcement that the abattoir in Galashiels is to cease killing cattle and sheep.
Scottish Borders Abattoir (SBA), which runs the Galashiels operation, says it will continue to provide a full service for cattle and sheep consignors, with stock being taken to its Shotts Abattoir, North Lanarkshire.
Transport will be provided to take livestock to Shotts, with the carcases returning to Galashiels, where the cutting and packing hall will remain open. Galashiels will also continue to slaughter pigs, while SBA wholesale will also continue.
In a statement, the NFUS said the loss of the slaughtering facility for ruminants was a ‘serious concern’ and the union was keen to work out immediate and long-term solutions to the problem.
NFUS president, Nigel Miller said after the meeting: “Even though an alternative solution via Shotts abattoir has been found, the situation is far from ideal and highlights numerous wider issues.
“The Borders is a major livestock-producing region with the potential to supply high volumes of good quality meat. The region has a good network of local butchers and branded producer-retailers which are a great credit to the area and must be allowed to thrive.”
He said the development group’s immediate priority would be to explore new arrangements to ensure there was enough volume to support any future abattoir operation.
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