Moves to ‘save’ pig sector after Brechin abattoir fire
Radical moves have been made to mitigate problems arising from the recent fire at Scotland’s largest pig processing abattoir at Brechin, including a temporary derogation of the requirement for pigs eligible for the Specially Selected Pork brand so they can be slaughtered outwith Scotland.
Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) said that pigs which would have been slaughtered at Brechin could now be slaughtered in another Tulip-owned abattoir at Ashton-under-lyne in the Midlands.
The derogation was offered following an inspection visit to the processing plant by QMS, the Scottish SPCA and QMS’S quality assurance certification provider, Acoura. QMS stressed the derogation would be subject to stringent conditions and would be reviewed weekly. QMS chairman Jim Mclaren confirmed the move had been made as Brechin accounted for around two-thirds of the pigs slaughtered in Scotland and the industry was facing exceptional circumstances.
“QMS is keen to support the Scottish pig and pork industry to limit the 0 Pigs destined for the Specially Selected Pork brand can now be slaughtered outside Scotland says QMS impact of the temporary closure of this abattoir, including any animal welfare implications,” he said.
He described the fire – which police are investigating as to whether it was started deliberately – as “a blow for the Scottish pig industry”.
He added: “It is particularly galling that this damage has occurred soon after the opening of the increased capacity at the site following a period of significant investment,”
The Scottish Government has also provided a temporary relaxation to limits on lorry drivers’ hours to get around longer journey times.
Cabinet secretary for the rural economy and connectivity Fergus Ewing said the measure was essential for the welfare of animals and the effective operation of the supply chain.
“The impact of this incident means the number of pigs being moved weekly from Scotland to England will increase from 7,000 to around 12,000,” he said. “With no other large abattoirs in Scotland, the only option left is to transport the livestock to facilities in the north of England.
“This will still be a challenge for the industry, given the limited pool of authorised drivers and trucks, but we stand ready to offer further assistance where we can.”