Beef business plans major Scottish expansion at Ecclefechan

A Shropshire beef business has unveiled plans for a multi-million pound expansion into Scotland.

Pickstock has targeted land close to the A74(M) near to Ecclefechan in Dumfries and Galloway to build a processing plant which it said would create up to 60 full-time jobs.

The company said it would reduce travel time for animals currently being taken to its facility in Telford.

Pickstock said it would carry out consultation with the local community before a full planning application was submitted to Dumfries and Galloway Council.

The company supplies British beef to retailers, butchers and food service professionals across Europe.

The proposed Ecclefechan development includes processing facilities, administrative offices and staff welfare facilities.

It would also see road and infrastructure services put in place and landscape planting to screen its yards and buildings.