Ewing to look into viability of mobile abattoirs as number of slaughterhouses falls

Mobile abattoirs are already relatively common in Canada and New Zealand, as well as more remote parts of the EU.

Strong case

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.”