An abattoir for the Skye and Lochalsh area has moved a significant step closer with the engagement of a project officer to take the plans forward.
Skye and Lochalsh Meat Supply Group (SLMSG) has appointed Rachael Jackson to bring the abattoir to reality, following the publication of a report last year by Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) which concluded that a micro-abattoir could be viable.
Rachael, who farms at Orbost with husband Keith, will be contracted for eight months to bring the project towards a “shovel ready” stage, including developing a funding package. Her remit will also include obtaining estimates, identifying a site from the options in the report, and starting discussions on planning issues, waste management and meat inspection, as well as establishing contact with operators of other remote and island abattoirs and determining the optimum business structure. Rachael will be assisted in technical design by Peadar Ó Donnghaile of MacTec (Scotland) Ltd.
