THE TROUBLED Brechin abattoir is ready to deliver some seasonal cheer to pig producers, re-opening its doors following a major fire this summer.

As the central pig processing plant for Scotland, its closure trebled the transport distance for pigs, which had to be sent south.

However, after extensive reconstruction and redecorating at the site, the abattoir was back to full capacity within days of opening, news welcomed by the Scottish pig industry.

Quality Pork, a collaboration between Scottish pig producers, Scotlean and Tulip, was formed in 2014, with a view to developing a modern processing facility for the Scottish pig industry. It is owned by farmer suppliers in Scotland and operated on their behalf by a board made up from the three founding organisations.

Following the fire, an extensive program of building, repair and cleaning works means that it hits the highest standards of food safety and animal welfare. Although the abattoir is back up and running, there is still work being carried out to replace office and amenity facilities for staff.

QPL Chairman, Roderic Bruce, who farms in the North-east of Scotland, said: “The extensive programme which has been undertaken to get this critically important site back up and running has been a truly collaborative effort. Not only has there been huge focus on getting the site back into shape, there has been a big operation in place to ensure the impact on Scottish pig producers has been minimal.

“It’s great to be back in business and I would like to thank the QPL team, Tulip, QMS, the Scottish Government, farmers, suppliers and hauliers for the great efforts and commitment that has been required in order to maintain the supply of Scottish pigs.”

During the reconstruction programme, QPL worked closely with industry organisations and their customers to maintain the Scottish supply chain.

QMS granted a temporary derogation to allow pigs eligible for the Specially Selected Pork brand, which should have been slaughtered at Brechin, to be processed at another QMS approved and monitored Tulip site.

QPL staff were relocated to sites in England to maintain employment and skills, with all employees retained and now returned to Brechin.

Chief executive of the Scottish Pig Producers, Andy McGowan, echoed Mr Bruce, praising efforts to maintain a Scottish supply chain and protect the farmers’ incomes: “Following the fire, our initial concern was how it would affect our supply chain as we had worked hard to get our buyers and didn’t want to lose their support,” he said.

“Luckily, with the support of QMS, we were able to maintain our specially selected pork brand. As Scottish Pig Producers is a farmers co-op, the closure of Brechin didn’t financially impact on the individual farmers as they were still being paid as if they were selling to Brechin.

“However, it did treble transport distances, which again stressed the importance of having a local processor such as Brechin.”

Rural Economy Cabinet Secretary, Fergus Ewing, said: “The Scottish Government welcomes the reopening of Brechin abattoir following closure in August and looks forward to continuing to work with the Scottish pig industry to help maintain the supply of quality pork.”