Feasibility funds awarded for private kill service
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A GROUP that is pushing to have an abattoir established in the far north has been awarded wind farm funds for a feasibility study.
The North Coast Abattoir Group (NCAG) says it is delighted to have been awarded money from the Caithness Beatrice Community Fund.
It will help it create a business case demonstrating that "a small abattoir can be established and operate sustainably" to provide a private kill service for crofters and farmers in Caithness and Sutherland.
The group initially set up a Facebook page at the start of this year with five founding members and was formally established as an unincorporated association in May – a move which meant, as a constituted body, it was able to apply for grants to help it build its business case.
Speaking for NCAG, Achreamie farmer Morris Coghill said: "I'm absolutely delighted that we have been given this funding which will really help towards the feasibility study. It means so much to us and on behalf of the group I want to say a big thank-you for this award."
The group previously conducted a survey of livestock producers and say its "doors are open to any ideas and suggestions which anyone – livestock producer, processor or consumer – may care to offer".
NCAG is looking for further members to swell its ranks.
Mr Coghill said: "Membership brings no burden on your finances or your time – not even a membership fee – but does serve to demonstrate that the group has widespread support.
"It will give our grant applications considerably more weight if we can show a lengthy membership list."
Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd makes around £380,000 per year available for community and charitable projects in Caithness.
Between 2017 and 2021 it expects to invest £1.9million in local projects.
Contact NCAG on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/northcoastabattoir or visit its website for further information www.spanglefish.com/northcoastabattoir
