Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 22 March 2002 For Use: Immediately

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Statement re. Heather Isle Meats:

“It is worth repeating that this situation has been brought about by European regulations which prevent the Comhairle paying subsidies to abbatoirs.

It is quite obviously wrong to suggest that the Comhairle has closed the companies down. It is also quite wrong to suggest that the Comhairle has failed to recognise the importance of abattoirs to crofters in the Western Isles. The Comhairle tried to work with Heather Isles Meats over a considerable period of time to find a solution and considered the possibility of providing a rescue and restructuring package. Unfortunately the company failed to submit a business plan which provided the necessary confidence of a return to viability within the rescue and restructuring period. That is as disappointing to the Comhairle as no doubt it is to the crofting community.

It does the Directors of Heather Isle Meats absolutely no credit that they choose to denigrate the elected Members who have worked hard to try and find a solution to the problems of the company.

The Comhairle remains committed to retaining slaughtering facilities for crofting communities throughout the Western Isles.“

Cllr Archie Campbell
Chairman of the Comhairle’s Working Group on Slaughtering in the Western Isles

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk