The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) is urging Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) to provide reassurance to crofters on Lewis and Harris over proposals for the sale of the current Stornoway abattoir site.

It follows a report put before the council’s Policy and Resources Committee by the directors of development and technical services last week which sought to seek authorisation to consider options over the future use of Stornoway abattoir and the provision of services.

Commenting on the report, SCF board member Donald Mackinnon said: “It is of great concern that the Comhairle would consider selling the site without concrete plans in place for how the service will be provided in the future.”

He added: “We welcome the acknowledgement that the current facility is in need of improvement. However, we feel that this could be best achieved on the current site. Undoubtedly there are changes that the crofters of Lewis and Harris would like to see, not least the extension of opening times throughout the autumn season.”

The report notes that “Stornoway abattoir site is in a prime location in the Newton area but the current use is not conducive to existing and new activity in the industrial heart of Stornoway”.

The developer has submitted a request to purchase the site and the report states a sufficient time period would be allowed for the relocation of the abattoir.

Donald noted that without the Stornoway abattoir, farmers and crofters would have to travel to Dingwall which he noted was “an unfeasible prospect”.

He added: “If the future of Scottish agriculture is to be high-quality, niche products then access to small abattoirs is vital.”

It was recommended that options for the future use of the abattoir and the availability of services are presented to the Policy and Resources Committee in December this year.