Mr Ewing said he would welcome bids for a research project to look at the viability and sustainability of mobile abattoirs.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has confirmed that he is to commission a study into the viability of mobile abattoirs in Scotland.
He made the commitment in response to a parliamentary question from his SNP colleague Gail Ross MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, who voiced concern over the diminishing number of local slaughterhouses.
Mr Ewing said he would welcome bids for a research project to look at the viability and sustainability of mobile abattoirs.
Mobile abattoirs are already relatively common in Canada and New Zealand, as well as more remote parts of the EU.
Mr Ewing said: “We envisage that the project will start in March and complete in the autumn and will look to provide detailed analysis of all aspects that would be required to operate mobile abattoirs in Scotland.
“This will include reviewing business models in other countries, costs involved and the regulatory environment.”
Donald Cameron, Scottish Conservative shadow cabinet secretary on rural economy and connectivity added: “The case for a network of mobile abattoirs has been well established and it must be set up now without delay.”
NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick said it was encouraging to see that the Scottish government was looking into the feasibility of using mobile abattoirs as a solution to ‘the lack of affordable slaughter options’, particularly in more remote areas.
He added: “It is important that the Scottish Government now do their due diligence and thoroughly investigate the practicalities of implementing mobile abattoirs in these areas, the costs of compliance with the extensive regulations surrounding abattoirs and any biosecurity issues.”