Agricultural Forum Visits New Islay Abattoir

Members of the Argyll and Bute Agricultural forum were recently given a tour of the new Avenvogie Abattoir on Islay by Chloe Randall, Factor at Dunlossit Estate. Chloe explained that the abattoir has been built by Dunlossit Estate to kill their stock and other stock on the island. It is anticipated that the abattoir will have an annual throughput, of 300 cattle, 1000 sheep and 450 pigs per year. This will be achieved by operating on two days per week, but this could be expanded if there was the necessary demand. The funding to cover the costs associated with building the abattoir was secured from a variety of sources. Dunlossit Trust covered 50% with the balance being sourced from the Scottish Government Processing and Marketing Grant, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and the Highland Foundation for Wildlife. Chloe went on to explain how they are now marketing meat under "Meat Islay!". Animals of Islay origin will be able to receive a Meat Islay carcase stamp which will certify that it was "hatched and despatched on Islay." Chloe‟s motivation in working to achieve the build of this abattoir has been to reduce the food miles that animals have previously had to travel and thereby improving animal welfare. The development of the "Meat Islay!" brand will also enable more farmers to add value to their primary produce, which will benefit the producer and consumer alike. Angus Macfadyen Chairman of the Argyll and Bute Agricultural Forum said, "We all recognise the huge amount of work Chloe has put in to make this Abattoir a reality. We wish the venture every success and hope the experience that has been gained on Islay can be utilised in other areas of Argyll". The September Meeting of the Argyll and Bute Agricultural Forum was held on Islay as part of a rotating programme of meetings to allow more members to attend. Full details of the meeting will be placed on the Agricultural Forum website www.argyllagriculturalforum.com

0 November 2008