[Scottish Parliament, 11.09.2024] Following his questions to Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie at today’s Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands portfolio questions, Highlands and Islands MSP and Convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Islands Jamie Halcro Johnston, whose family farm in Orkney, said:
“It’s now over 6 years since Orkney’s abattoir closed and, despite local efforts - and warm words from the Scottish Government - no solution has yet been found for a new replacement facility.
“The importance of local abattoirs is inarguable, and the closure was a blow to many local farmers and smaller producers. Local abattoirs play such a vital role in supporting local rural businesses, in allowing better animal welfare, and in reducing food miles.
“I know a lot of work has been done by folk in Orkney to look at what would work best for the islands, and also what would be sustainable in the long term. But that local work will likely need some support from Scottish ministers.
“While I am disappointed the Agriculture Minister was unable to tell me how the Scottish Government was supporting these efforts, I do welcome Jim Fairlie’s offer to meet with me.
“I will be hoping to extend that invitation to other parliamentary colleagues and local stakeholders so that we can work collaboratively towards getting the local abattoir a farming community like Orkney should have”.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Jamie Halcro Johnston MSP’s question in the Scottish Parliament and the Minister's response are available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.scottishparliament.tv/meeting/meeting-of-the-parliament-september-11-2024?clip_start=14:20:14&clip_end=14:22:20
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