SCOTTISH PORK'S fortunes could finally be on the mend, with fresh demand set to be created by the upgrading of Brechin abattoir, which is due to be completed by the end of the year.

The multi-million pound investment at the Brechin site will effectively double its slaughter capacity and create a state-of-the-art processing facility producing Specially Selected Pork and Red Tractor Pork.

Quality Pork Limited, a joint venture between Scottish Pig Producers and Scotlean, took ownership of the site from AP Jess late last year. Investment has been focussed upon a new slaughter line, chilling and lorry-wash facilities, all aimed at enabling a substantial increase in the capacity of the operation. Under routine business conditions, slaughtering capacity will be at least doubled at Brechin, but the new facilities have been designed to enable those numbers to increase further as the Scottish pig herd expands in the future.

Since the closure of Vion's Broxburn plant, a large proportion of Scotland's weekly kill has had to head south of the border for processing. Furthermore, a considerable number of weaner pigs born in Scotland are also currently sold to English farmers for finishing. The intention is to redirect these to more local finishing, minimising transport distances and further enhancing welfare. QPL believes that the new Brechin facility will ensure that Scotland has sufficient capacity for all pigs born in Scotland to be slaughtered in Scotland.

"This exciting development represents a great opportunity for new entrants to get into the pig industry," said QPL chairman Roderic Bruce. "Pig production is already competitive in Scotland and is unsubsidised. With grain prices forecast to remain challenging for arable farmers, finishing pigs provides a great opportunity for farmers to add value to their grain by producing meat from home-grown cereals."

Quality Meat Scotland chairman Jim McLaren was positive about the news and the impact it will have on the Specially Selected Pork brand: "The investment in additional slaughtering capacity at Brechin is a fantastic boost for the Scottish pig industry and we look forward to the increased capacity at the plant becoming operational later this year."

Rural affairs CabSec Richard Lochhead added: "The aftermath of the closure of Halls of Broxburn was a difficult time for our pig industry so I'm glad to see the new plant taking shape as it heralds a bright future for the Scottish pig supply chain.

"I am confident that our recent decision to invest £2.7 million in this project will, in time, increase the size of the Scottish pig herd, add more value right here in Scotland and increase the volume of Specially Selected Pork going into the marketplace."