Dairy processing in more remote parts of Scotland has taken a further hit, with the announcement by First Milk that it is to close its Arran Creamery and scale down its operations at the Campbeltown Creamery in Kintyre.

The sites were put up for sale by First Milk in April 2018, as both were not seen as “a strategic fit for First Milk moving forward”. However, while a buyer has not been found for the Arran Creamery, talks are on-going with farmer members in Kintyre as well as the Scottish Government, about the potential sale of the Campbeltown factory to local farmer members.

That could lead to the formation of a new dairy co-op in the area, which will trade independently of First Milk.

Five jobs at Arran and 11 posts at Campbeltown are currently at risk.

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