Stornoway Abattoir Faces Uncertain Future Amid Challenges
Stornoway Abattoir Faces Uncertain Future Amid Declining Use and Rising Costs
June 25, 2025 – Concerns are growing over the future of the UK’s only local authority-run abattoir, located in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, as usage continues to decline and operational costs rise. The facility, operated by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, has struggled to meet its income targets, falling short of its £184,000 goal last year.
At a recent meeting of the local authority’s transport and infrastructure committee, Lochs councillor Angus Morrison urged crofters to make greater use of the abattoir, warning: “It is either use it or lose it.” He acknowledged the difficulty of raising slaughter fees—set to increase by 5%, bringing the cost of processing a sheep to around £44—but emphasized the need for sustainability.
The committee also heard that some crofters are opting to slaughter livestock at home, bypassing the facility altogether. Additionally, a decline in sheep numbers across the Western Isles is believed to be contributing to the reduced throughput.
Councillor Donald Crichton highlighted that bureaucratic hurdles are discouraging crofters from expanding their flocks, further impacting the viability of the abattoir. Last year, the council used £50,000 from Crown Estate funding to support the site, and delayed its seasonal opening to save an additional £14,000.
The future of the Stornoway abattoir remains uncertain, with local leaders calling for community support to preserve this vital rural service.
Based on reporting by BBC News.
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