Question reference: S5W-00183
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for Argyll and Bute, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 23 May 2016
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Current status: Answered by Fergus Ewing on 2 June 2016
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the report commissioned by milk producers in Kintyre, with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Argyll and Bute Council, on the feasibly of producer-led arrangements for a transfer from First Milk of the creamery at Campbeltown, and whether it will encourage the report to be made public.
Answer
In December 2015 First Milk dairy producers in Kintyre formed a working group to explore alternate models for the operation of Campbeltown Creamery. Argyll and Bute Council, with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, funded a study to undertake this work. Due to commercial sensitivities and necessity of enlisting the support and cooperation of First Milk it was agreed that the study would not be published in full. However, a presentation of the study's main findings was given to the dairy farmers in late-April 2016. The study considered the company's business plan, capital investment and marketing opportunities. The government maintains close involvement with all parties concerned to see the continuation of cheese-making in Campbeltown.