Pickstock has marked the start of construction on a major new beef processing facility at Ecclefechan in Dumfries and Galloway, representing an investment of more than £24 million in the future of Scottish beef production.
The development is being supported by a £4.7 million investment from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and will bring together modern food production, renewable energy, skilled employment and a commitment to supporting Scotland’s rural economy.
A groundbreaking ceremony took place at the Ecclefechan site on 16 September, bringing together representatives from Pickstock Telford, SOSE and Dumfries and Galloway Council to mark the beginning of construction.
Investing in Scottish beef
The new Ecclefechan facility represents an important step in Pickstock’s long-term commitment to the Scottish beef sector.
Located in one of Scotland’s leading agricultural regions, the development will enable us to build strong, long-term relationships with Scottish farmers while helping to retain more of the value generated by Scotland’s high-quality beef within its rural communities.
Greg Pickstock said:
“Ecclefechan is about investing in that shared future, building long-term relationships with Scottish farmers, supporting high standards of animal welfare and ensuring that more of the value created by Scotland’s outstanding beef remains within the rural economy.
“Our ambition is to demonstrate that high-quality food production, animal welfare, commercial resilience and measurable carbon reduction can – and must – work together.
“By investing in new technology and continuously improving how we operate, we can build a more sustainable and resilient food supply chain for the future.”
Creating jobs and opportunities
As well as strengthening Scotland’s beef supply chain, the development will deliver significant employment and training opportunities for the local area.
Around 250 jobs are expected to be supported during construction, with approximately 90 permanent roles anticipated once the facility is operational.
The project is also expected to create around 40 apprenticeship opportunities – approximately 25 during construction and a further 15 once the site is fully operational.
For Pickstock, developing skills and creating long-term careers will be an important part of the new operation.
Greg added:
“This is also an opportunity to create skilled jobs, support apprenticeships and develop new career pathways in a part of Scotland with a proud food and farming heritage.
“We want Ecclefechan to become a place where traditional knowledge is retained, modern production and technical skills are developed, and young people can access rewarding careers close to home.
“Investing in our people is fundamental to building a successful business for the next generation.”
Building for a lower-carbon future
Sustainability has been incorporated into the design of the new facility from the outset.
The development will include anaerobic digestion, combined heat and power and solar energy generation, helping to improve energy resilience and generate renewable power on site.
Its location will also provide opportunities to reduce livestock transport distances, supporting our ambition to achieve measurable carbon reductions alongside high standards of animal welfare and efficient food production.
Together, these investments are intended to demonstrate how modern beef processing can combine commercial resilience with environmental responsibility.
A long-term investment in the region
South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) has worked alongside Pickstock Telford on the project, from identifying Ecclefechan as a potential location through to providing £4.7 million of investment towards the development.
The new facility represents a significant long-term commitment to Dumfries and Galloway and its farming communities, creating opportunities for farmers, employees, apprentices and businesses throughout the wider supply chain.
With construction now underway, the Ecclefechan facility is expected to become fully operational in early 2029.
For Pickstock, it is an investment not simply in a new facility, but in the people, farming relationships, technology and infrastructure needed to support a resilient future for British beef.
