Abattoir equipment auction

Items going under the hammer range from electric stunning tongs, bleed shackles and chains and cowpunchers to a wooden coat and hat stand. Scottish Borders Abattoir, which processed the region’s cattle, sheep and pigs, closed last year with the loss of 12 jobs.

Pro Auction, an auctioneering company in plant and machinery sales, envisages a strong interest in the sale from slaughter operators, meat cutting plants and farmers.

Mark Flynn director at Pro Auction said: “It would be terrific if farmers turned up in numbers to show prospective buyers that there is plenty of enthusiasm among locals for resuming regular abattoir operations in the region”.

The abattoir’s closure raised fears from local farmers and butchers about a diminished quality of local beef and lamb.

Writing to TheSouthern, Ben Douglas of Glendearg Farm, Galashiels, lamented: “The Borders has a huge tradition of agricultural excellence, particularly in lamb production, and we need to be able to put the very best on plates, if we choose.

“The closest abattoirs are in the central belt and north-east England: a round trip for most animals of 100 quality-reducing, miles, at least.”

The lots will be sold piecemeal from the rostrum and via online bidding at www.bidspotter.com, in catalogue order from 10.30am. A viewing day has been arranged on September 11 between 10am and 4pm.