Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD RESPONDS TO PROPOSED CLOSURE OF MORAY'S ONLY ABATTOIR

Richard Lochhead MSP has responded to the disappointing revelation that Dunbia proposes to close Rhinds of Elgin, which is Moray’s only remaining abattoir.

The planned closure of the abattoir, which slaughters around 100 cattle a week, will be a huge blow to local staff and Moray’s livestock sector.  The nearest abattoirs will now be in Grantown, Inverurie and Dingwall.

Mr Lochhead said:

“This news is a blow for first and foremost the staff and their families but also for the local livestock sector.

“It appears that the abattoir has fallen victim to merger between Northern Ireland based Dunbia and Irish based Dawn Meats, and the subsequent restructuring.  The loss of the only abattoir in the region leaves a big hole for Moray’s livestock and meat sectors.

“Only a few years ago  we were hearing that there were big plans for the plant but now it is facing closure.

“I’ve made urgent contact with the owners of the facility Moray Council, as well as Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and the industry body Quality Meat Scotland, given the need for agencies to explore the potential for a new operator to take over the plant finding and retain jobs in Moray.”