£60,000 push for Kirkwall butcher

- Published: 01 September, 2006

Welsh Assembly ministers have been told to back their words with action and support a new farm co-operative's bid to buy a North Wales abattoir.

Donaldsons of Kirkwall will put the £60,000-plus, secured through the Scottish Executive's processing and marketing grant scheme, towards extending its operational area. A flat above the shop will be converted to provide more chiller capacity, a second and larger smoking unit, and additional processing space.

According to Ewan Donaldson, who runs the 50-year-old family business with his brother Erik, work will begin shortly and should be completed before December.

Donaldsons began experimenting with smoked and marinated meats fours years ago but has been selling them for only a year.

Customers for the shop's smoked and marinaded products include top chef Martin Wishart, award-winning Edinburgh butcher Crombies, and Munros of Dingwall.

"The products are aimed at people prepared to pay a wee bit more for quality," said Ewan Donaldson.

The company aims to develop sales across the UK.