The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Scheme’ s £4.6m boost for Scottish food firms
Funding for 15 projects will create 90 jobs and safeguard 820
Four businesses from the north and north-east are among 15 firms to share £4.6million in the latest round of grants from a Scottish Government-run food and drink sector funding scheme.
Egg producer Duncan Farms, based near Turriff, will receive more than £570,000 towards upgrading its facilities, while Castleton Fruit, in the Howe of the Mearns, in south Aberdeenshire, has been awarded £291,000 for equipment.
Also benefiting from the food processing, manufacturing and co-operation funding is Orkney bakery W.F.M. Brown, with a grant of just over £146,000, also to upgrade facilities. And Moray seed potato business James Taylor and Son, of Wellhill, near Forres, will receive just over £140,000 to upgrade equipment.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing awarded the £4.6million to the projects as part of the scheme, which is delivered through the Scottish Rural Development Programme. Speaking ahead of today’s AgriScot event in Edinburgh, Mr Ewing said the funding would support new products and extending existing lines, or building new facilities. He also said the financial support would safeguard 820 jobs and create a further 90.
“Our food and drink industry is world-renowned for the quality of our wonderful natural larder, and is a key contributor to Scotland’s economy,” said Mr Ewing.
“The investment of more than £4.6million will benefit farmers, meat packers and bakers across Scotland and further demonstrates my continuing commitment to supporting and growing that contribution.”
The largest recipient of funding is Dumfries and Galloway-based meat processor Brown Brothers Manufacturing, which is being given £803,241.33 to extend its premises, buy equipment and add 50 jobs.