The micro abattoir on the island of Mull will have to stop work if a slaughterman cannot be found by the end of the month.

In an online posting, the abattoir is seeking a lead butcher/slaughterman, as well as a second skilled butcher to start as soon as possible. From the beginning of September they do not have any butchery or slaughter staff, so despite bookings from farmers and crofters, the facility will stop after the kill on August 25 this year.

The Mull slaughterhouse is community owned and run as a charity with a board of voluntary directors. The abattoir provides slaughtering and butchery services for farmers and crofters as well as selling local steaks, roasts, burgers, sausages, lorne, beef olives and black pudding.

The facility went through extensive renovations ten years ago allowing it to provide the full meat service to customers. Most recently it received £10,000 from the Princes Countryside Fund to help safeguard its future. Closure of the plant would mean livestock would need to travel a further 145 miles by road and ferry to abattoirs in the central belt.

If you know anyone that could be interested in these positions, contact Flora directly on 07789 847530 or email flora@dobhrancroft.co.uk

Meanwhile,the council-wned abattoir in Stornoway has now opened for the season and will be killing cattle and sheep until Christmas.