Mull Abattoir Launches Collection Service for Remote Farmers
Mull Abattoir Expansion to Support Highland and Island Farmers
A new livestock collection service is being launched to help farmers and crofters across the Highlands and islands. This service will allow them to access local slaughter and butchery services more easily.
Mull Slaughterhouse & Butchery is introducing the trial with support from the Scottish Government’s Small Producers Fund. The service will collect animals directly from farms across the Inner Hebrides and parts of the west Highland mainland. This includes Coll, Tiree, Colonsay and areas towards Fort William.
The move comes as many small abattoirs across Scotland and the wider UK continue to decline. This is leaving remote livestock producers with fewer local processing options and longer journeys for animals. Around 70% of the Mull facility’s current business already comes from outside the island.
The abattoir processes around 140 cattle, 700 sheep and 200 pigs each year. There are also growing numbers of goats and red deer. It offers slaughter and butchery under one roof, with customers able to request individual cutting specifications.
Further investment is also taking place at the site, with solar panels being installed to help reduce energy bills. These bills are currently the facility’s second largest cost after wages. The business employs five staff and operates a weekly slaughter day. Lairage is available for animals arriving the previous day.
For remote producers, the expansion could reduce transport pressure, improve animal welfare and help protect local food production. In addition, it also underlines the importance of small abattoirs in maintaining resilient regional meat supply chains. This is especially true in island and rural communities.
Source: FarmingUK | 7 May 2026
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