Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 17 July 2001 For Use: Immediately

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Support for Slaughterhouse Facilities

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar today confirmed its support for slaughterhouse facilities in the Western Isles and stated that no effort is being spared to find a solution to the difficulties being experienced by Heather Isle Meats.

In a letter to local papers, the Vice-Convener of the Comhairle, Mr. Roddy Murray, said: "Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has always given its unqualified support to Heather Isles Meats and Lewis and Harris Auction Mart and any suggestions to the contrary are simply not correct."

The Vice-Convener stated that there was no 'technical reason why the Slaughterhouse should not be operational' and has asked the Chairman of Heather Isle Meats when they intend to open the abattoir facilities in Stornoway.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has been advised that subsidy payments to slaughterhouses are likely to be illegal under European State Aid regulations. Now the Comhairle, working with the Scottish Executive and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), is set to make a formal case in Europe, through a state aids notification, to make an exception for the Western Isles because of the particular circumstances facing the islands.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer

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