Construction work begins on £24m meat processing plant
BBCConstruction work has started on a £24m meat processing plant in the south of Scotland.
The Pickstock Telford development near Ecclefechan should deliver about 90 jobs in a rural area as well as help reduce food miles.
Concerns have been expressed about potential odour, noise and pollution from the project but the company said it had taken steps to allay those fears.
Backed by nearly £5m from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), the site is expected to be fully operational by early 2029.
Liam Davies, development director of the Pickstock group, said this site made sense for his business.
"We have quite a large supply chain of farmers across the UK," he said.
"We find with Scottish farmers the quality of the product is second to none and in investing in the region it helps us work with farmers in the supply chain.
"It is located in a very accessible corridor location that opens up opportunities both for the Scottish farming and agriculture industry but also us as a business."
He also tried to address local concerns about the project, saying it would be built to the "highest standards".
"Our site in Telford, you wouldn't even know there was a food processing plant on site," he said.
"You drive past you wouldn't even know - I think we can safely allay any concerns about any smells.
"Even the visual impact is going to be mitigated."
Jane Morrison-Ross, chief executive of SOSE, said the area was "just perfect" for the business.
She said it was a big investment but it met a lot of its goals for the south of Scotland.
"It brings together an awful lot of things that we are trying to support across the region such as food security, innovation in food and drink, energy transition and transport, and Pickstock will also create new premium Scottish brands from here in the south of Scotland,” she said.
Morrison-Ross added that there would be opportunities for other industries to come on site in due course.
The development is forecast to create about 250 jobs during the construction phase and a further 90 permanent positions once operational.
Approximately 40 apprenticeship opportunities are also expected, including 25 during construction and 15 after the site opens.
Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn said the investment demonstrated how innovation, sustainable food production and rural economic growth could be brought together in the south of Scotland.
He said the development would help increase the amount of red meat processing carried out in Scotland, supporting jobs and adding value to the country's livestock sector.
