MSP says creamery staff deserve answers
WORKERS at a Campbeltown creamery deserve answers from bosses of a dairy firm which is selling up, says local MSP Donald Cameron.
The Highlands and Islands MSP is worried about what will happen to First Milk workers if a buyer is not found.
The firm, one of the UK’s largest dairy co-operatives, also plans to sell its creamery on Arran so it can focus on developing its creameries in the Lake District and in Haverfordwest instead.
Mr Cameron has written to First Milk’s chief executive Shelagh Hancock to raise concerns. He also wants to know why First Milk has decided not to to invest in the two sites any longer, if bosses believe the businesses could still prosper under new ownership.
First Milk revealed its plans after a business review found the Campbeltown and Arran sites were no longer ‘a strategic fit’ for First Milk.
The MSP has also asked the firm’s boss if setting up a partnership between several key stakeholders instead, including public sector involvement, has been considered.
‘While this news is clearly unwelcome for the local diary sector in Argyll, and especially in Kintyre, it will not come as a surprise to those who have dealt with First Milk over several years,’ he said.
And he added: ‘I have written to First Milk to ask them what the specific reasons are for this announcement and why it feels that even though there is clear demand for the goods produced in this area, it does not see this as viable for its business. In any case, workers deserve clear answers from First Milk which I hope to pursue.’
Shelagh Hancock said a review had identified there was ‘undoubtedly a market for the premium Mull of Kintyre and Isle of Arran brands’ but said capturing the opportunities would require significant investment.
‘We are confident that with the right focus and investment under new ownership the businesses would prosper,’ she said.
And she added: ‘Campbeltown and Arran creameries will continue to run as normal during this sale process and we will be working closely with prospective buyers to ensure a smooth transition. We appreciate 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.’