35 jobs to go in Castle Douglas as meat suppliers merge

35 jobs are set to be axed after two of Scotland's meat suppliers announced their decision to merge.

Buccleuch Foods is to cease operations at its plant in Castle Douglas, Dumfriesshire, and move to Campbell Brothers' premises in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian.

The 35 workers at the Castle Douglas plant will see their jobs cut, though it is expected that new jobs will be created at the Bonyrigg plant.

John Glen, Buccleuch Group chief executive, said: "We have been looking at how best to take the Buccleuch Foods business forward and we are very pleased to have reached agreement with such a renowned business as Campbell Brothers.

"This is a very competitive sector and Buccleuch Foods needs to become more competitive in terms of logistics, distribution and economy of scale. This merger will enable us to increase our capability in these areas as well as continuing the provision of Buccleuch Foods' products."

Campbell Brothers and Buccleuch Foods supply fresh meat and produce to restaurants and catering businesess, with both seeing significant growth over the last few years.

Stuart Robinson, Campbell Brothers chairman, said: "Getting together is an eminently sensible step forward for both businesses and will result in a significant increase in the provision of great Scottish produce."