THE build of a £24 million beef processing facility is underway in Dumfries and Galloway in a project set to create 250 construction jobs.
R H Irving Construction is leading the build at Ecclefechan on behalf of Pickstock Telford, with South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) backing the development with £4.7 million in funding – representing one of its biggest investments to date.
SOSE explained that the project demonstrates the scale of opportunity in the South of Scotland’s rural economy – combining food production, innovation, renewable energy and skilled employment in one of Scotland’s strongest agricultural regions.
The new facility is expected to create around 250 jobs during construction, as well as 25 apprenticeship opportunities. Once operational, it will lead to 90 permanent jobs with the potential for further in the future, SOSE added.
Designed as a modern, lower-carbon food production facility, the development will include anaerobic digestion, combined heat and power, and solar energy generation. By reducing livestock transport, improving energy resilience and generating renewable power on site, the facility is expected to support significant carbon reductions while maintaining high animal welfare standards.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Ecclefechan site on September 16 with representatives of Pickstock Telford, SOSE, and Dumfries & Galloway Council to mark the start of works – with the new facility expected to be fully operational in early 2029.
Scottish Government cabinet secretary for economy, Stephen Flynn, said, “This investment demonstrates how modern food production, lower-carbon operations, innovation, skills and rural economic growth can be successfully brought together in the South of Scotland.
“The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government sets out that we want Scotland to attract more inward investment to deliver growth in priority sectors and in every region.
“Food & drink is one of those, and so I welcome the announcement today and the support from South of Scotland Enterprise.
“We want more high quality, sustainable red meat processing to take place in Scotland, adding value to our livestock sector and securing jobs in our rural communities.
“This modern facility will also include lower-carbon measures including anaerobic digestion and solar energy, helping to deliver on our Net Zero ambitions.”
Greg Pickstock, of Pickstock Telford added, “Ecclefechan is about investing in that shared future, building long-term relationships with Scottish farmers, supporting high standards of animal welfare and ensuring that more of the value created by Scotland’s outstanding beef remains within the rural economy.
“Our ambition is to demonstrate that high-quality food production, animal welfare, commercial resilience and measurable carbon reduction can – and must – work together. By investing in new technology and continuously improving how we operate, we can build a more sustainable and resilient food supply chain for the future.
“This is also an opportunity to create skilled jobs, support apprenticeships and develop new career pathways in a part of Scotland with a proud food and farming heritage. We want Ecclefechan to become a place where traditional knowledge is retained, modern production and technical skills are developed, and young people can access rewarding careers close to home.
“Investing in our people is fundamental to building a successful business for the next generation.”
SOSE chair, Russel Griggs, commented, “This is exactly the kind of transformational industrial investment that South of Scotland Enterprise exists to enable.
“Our support, from identifying Ecclefechan as a potential location for Pickstock Telford through to our £4.7million investment, has helped unlock millions of pounds of private sector investment into the South of Scotland. “The project will create high-quality jobs, apprenticeship opportunities and long-term economic benefits while strengthening Scotland’s food and farming sector and supporting our ambitions for sustainable growth.”
