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Charity Lamb to the Slaughter


Islay’s new micro-abattoir is in operation for the first time today with a charity lamb.

The island’s previous abattoir was shut down in 2001 since when  animals have been exported to the mainland.  Total control, essential for quality and authenticity, was lost.

The Avonvogie Abattoir is the brainchild of Bruno Schroder of Dunlossit who breeds rare Middle White pigs. The unique design includes some sensitive features.

Estate factor Chloe Randall said: “This is a resilient, self-sufficient island. ButI knew if we wanted control we would have to do it ourselves. It’s been a bureaucratic nightmare.”

“Hatched and Despatched on Islay’ - the actual Islay appellation - is so important for animal welfare, provenance and the  added value it can generate for our island farmers.”

The first lamb slaughtered was  “Matidan of Eorrabus”,  a prize Suffolk Lamb sold at United Auctions’ recent sale to raise funds for the Islay & Jura Sick Children's Fund.    

Isobel MacMillan of Eorrabus Farm, when she had a  premature birth five years ago,  used the fund that helps hospitalised islanders and their families with transport costs.

Bruichladdich Distillery bought  “Matidan of Eorrabus” at the auction for a suitable premium to help  Isobel’s fund-raising which totaled a healthy  £3000 for the Islay & Jura charity.

Mark Reynier, distillery MD,  said: Like the lamb, our whisky is also 'hatched and despatched on Islay' -  from barley to bottle - and it's not just down the hatch either, but despatched all over the world directly from Islay.  We were pleased to help such a good cause."


Notes to Editors:

The Avonvogie Abattoir was funded by  Dunlossit Estate,  Scottish Executive, the Highland Foundation for Wildlife, and  the Argyll Enterprise Company.

The micro-abattoir will  support Islay, Jura and Colonsay. The abattoir will ultimately be able to slaughter all ages, sizes and breeds of sheep, cattle and pigs.

Avonvogie Abattoir is a commercial operation  www.avonvogie.co.uk and will be open for business from Wednesday 24th September.

Information packs  are available from  the Dunlossit Estate, Isle of Islay, PA45 7QL
Tel: 01496 840232   Fax: 01496 840694  E-mail: office@dunlossitestate.co.uk

MEAT ISLAY! www.meatislay.co.uk, is a showcase for Islay's food heroes.