Farmers shocked by decision to sell award-winning Scots creameries

THE future of a Scottishproduced world champion cheese has been thrown into doubt after the owners of two creameries put them up for sale.

Creameries on Arran and Campbeltown are being sold off by First Milk which has said it is turning its focus on Wales and Cumbria. The Isle of Arran Creamery is home of the Extra Mature Scottish Cheddar which scooped the best cheddar title at the World Cheese Awards 2013.

But First Milk now says they required “significant investment” to sustain the premium cheeses made there under the Isle of Arran and Mull of Kintyre brands.

In a statement, First Milk said its Scottish sites could yet be saved under new investment and ownership.

But NFU Scotland said milk producers were “shell-shocked” by the announcement from First Milk.

First Milk chief executive officer Shelagh Hancock said: “Following a strategic review, we have determined that our branded consumer-facing businesses in Campbeltown and on Arran are not a strategic fit for First Milk moving forward.

“The review identified that there is undoubtedly a market for the premium Mull of Kintyre and Isle of Arran brands but capturing the opportunities would require significant investment for activity that is not core to our strategic direction.”

She said the company would work closely with prospective buyers to ensure “a smooth transition”.

She added: “We appreciate that this decision will affect some of our colleagues, but we hope that under new ownership the sites will thrive, offering good employment prospects for the future. she added.

Both creameries will continue to run as normal during the sale process.

NFU Scotland milk committee chairman John Smith said: “The most important thing to keep in mind is that, in Mull of Kintyre and Arran cheddar, both creameries are making world-famous, award-winning high quality cheese and both sites should be hugely attractive to potential buyers”.