This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Scotland's newest abattoir officially opened
20/09/2006
The first abattoir to be built in Scotland in 25 years will be officially opened today by HRH Princess Anne in Linlithgow.
Food and Farming Minister Ross Finnie will also attend the event and will invite HRH to officially open the facility.
In advance of the opening, Mr Finnie said:
"We are committed to making the most of Scottish produce and I congratulate Henderson's on the foresight they have shown investing in this new facility. This comes at a time when new opportunities are emerging for the red meat sector and particularly the beef industry with Scotch beef now back on European menus after a ten year absence.
"The foundation of our excellent Scotch beef is to be found in the quality and rearing of the animals. Quality in the approach to slaughtering and processing the meat is also key to supplying what the customer wants. The Scottish Executive is committed to working with the industry to develop practices that make our beef the best in the world and this facility has been supported with £625,000 of assistance from our grants schemes.
"I wish Henderson's every success in their new facility and I am grateful to them for the continued contribution they make to the wellbeing of the Scottish food industry."