Nearly 80% of Scotland’s pigs will have to find a new slaughterhouse, following a fire at the nation’s largest pig abattoir in Brechin on Saturday 5 August. The Quality Pork Ltd (QPL) plant kills on average 6,000 animals a week from 80 farms in Scotland.

“The incident occurred at a time when there were no personnel or livestock on site and we are very grateful that there have been no casualties,” a spokesperson for QPL said. “We continue to work closely with authorities in investigating the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage inflicted. The facility will remain closed during this time.”

Dundee police did not reveal the cause of the fire, but said that an “enquiry is ongoing”.

Pigs are being re-directed to abattoirs up to three times the usual distance. This has created a “juggling act” to find space and capacity, according to the CEO of Scottish Pig Producers (SPP) Andy McGowan.

“We are working on the basis there will be no slaughter at the plant in Brechin during August, but it could be longer,” he said, welcoming the helpful response so far from abattoirs and hauliers.

“Our preferred option is the Tulip-owned Ashton abattoir near Manchester. This will allow contracts to be maintained and customers’ orders fulfilled most easily. However, it offers a big complication regarding haulage, as we have a relatively small number of drivers and lorries which can take pigs in Scotland,” said McGowan.

The sheep sale in Lairg will put additional pressure on hauliers. SPP has requested a derogation on drivers’ hours to offer more flexibility.