First Milk puts Scots creameries up for sale

Milk producers in the west of Scotland have been left reeling by the news that First Milk has put creameries in Campbeltown and Arran on the market.

The plants are world famous for producing cheddar cheese and there are no other markets for the milk that is produced in Kintyre and Arran.

The farmers’ union has spoken to Argyll and Bute Council and the Scottish Government and the next steps will be discussed at a meeting of producers which is scheduled for next week.

First Milk chief executive Shelagh Hancock said the two creameries were no longer a “strategic fit” for the business but added that there was “undoubtedly” a market for the premium Mull of Kintyre and Isle of Arran brands.

NFU Scotland milk committee chairman John Smith, who supplies milk to the Campbeltown plant, said that local farmers who supplied these creameries would be “frustrated, justifiably worried but not completely surprised by the announcement”.

Paul Grant, chairman of the Scottish Dairy Growth Board, said Kintyre was a brand that could generate great interest and has a great story to tell.

“It has been very successful in markets like North America but there is a huge opportunity to broaden the range based on what people round the world want from products associated with Scotland,” he said.

“The huge appetite for whisky or smoked salmon can translate to new markets for whiskyflavoured or smoked cheeses.

“There is a real opportunity here for someone to tap into a market with potential to grow.

“The model at Orkney creamery is working well and we would be keen to support any potential buyer for Campbeltown or Arran based on the experience and knowledge the Dairy Growth Board has built up over the last three years.”

First Milk said farmers supplying the sites would not be affected and their contracts would remain the same.

There is areal opportunity here for someone to tap into a market with potential to grow