Pickstock Telford has broken ground on a new, world class beef procession facility in Ecclefechan, Dumfries and Galloway. The new facility is set to create jobs, reduce food miles, strengthen Scotland’s food supply chain and keep more value within the rural economy.
The Pickstock Group has played a central role in supporting Pickstock Telford in bringing the new facility forward, securing the relevant utility connections and energy provision drawing on its extensive experience across property development, legal advisory, construction and project management.
The Group provided specialist support throughout the grant funding process, helping to develop the application and supporting case that secured a £4.7 million investment from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) – one of the economic and community development agency’s largest investments to date. The grant will make a significant contribution towards the £24 million development.
The Pickstock Group will continue to support the project through overall programme management and development expertise to help deliver the new facility. This includes the appointment of the main contractor and relevant fit out packages following completion of the enabling works programme and the implementation of low-carbon technologies and supporting infrastructure.
SOSE Chief Executive Jane Morrison-Ross said: “This is a major investment in Scottish beef and Scottish agriculture, the wider story is one of innovation, sustainability and economic transformation.The development combines modern food processing with renewable energy, resource recovery, improved transport efficiency and stronger supply chains.”
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 Wednesday 16 September 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.
Greg Pickstock of Pickstock Telford said:“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.”