Crowdfunding campaign fails to save Campbeltown Creamery

Despite the efforts of local farmers – including a crowd-funding campaign – an attempt to keep the Campbeltown Creamery, home of Mull of Kintyre cheddar, has failed and the plant is set to be wound up.

The creamery was put up for sale after the dairy co-operative First Milk claimed the plant was not core to its business strategy. Kintyre farmers launched a plan to take over the creamery but this week James Barbour, chairman of the steering group, said that despite widespread support for the move from local farmers, it had become clear that a financially viable longterm solution could not be reached for the creamery.

Shelagh Hancock, chief executive of First Milk, said she was disappointed that it had not been possible to conclude the sale: “We fully appreciate that this decision has significant consequences for colleagues at the Creamery and the local community, but it is important that we act in the best interest of the wider business and our farmer members and continue with the solid progress we have made in strengthening and developing First Milk.”

However she added that First Milk would continue to collect and pay for their milk on the same basis as before.

review of its operations in Scotland also saw milk processor Muller serving notice to 14 producers in Aberdeenshire this week – and introducing additional transport charges to offset the cost of moving what they termed “surplus Scottish milk” to markets in England.

NFU Scotland said the move was devastating news – and the livelihoods and viability of Muller suppliers had been undermined by the outcome of the review.