Major new beef facility to create jobs, cut carbon and keep more value in Scotland’s rural economy
A major new beef processing facility in Dumfries & Galloway is set to create jobs, reduce food miles, strengthen Scotland’s food supply chain and keep more value within the rural economy.
Construction is now underway on Pickstock Telford’s £24million-plus development at Ecclefechan, supported by our £4.7m investment - representing one of our largest investments to date.
The project demonstrates the scale of opportunity in the South of Scotland’s rural economy - combining food production, innovation, renewable energy and skilled employment in one of Scotland’s strongest agricultural regions.
How will this facility benefit the region?
- The new facility is expected to create around 250 jobs during construction and 90 permanent jobs once operational, with the potential for further employment opportunities in the future.
- Around 40 apprenticeship opportunities are also anticipated, including approximately 25 during construction and a further 15 roles once the site is fully operational.
Lower-carbon food production facility
Designed as a modern, lower-carbon food production facility, the development will include anaerobic digestion, combined heat and power, and solar energy generation.
By reducing livestock transport, improving energy resilience and generating renewable power on site, the facility is expected to support significant carbon reductions while maintaining high animal welfare standards.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Ecclefechan site on Wednesday 16 September with representatives of Pickstock Telford, SOSE and Dumfries & Galloway Council to mark the start of works, with the new facility expected to be fully operational in early 2029.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy Stephen Flynn said:
“This investment demonstrates how modern food production, lower-carbon operations, innovation, skills and rural economic growth can be successfully brought together in the South of Scotland.
“The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government sets out that we want Scotland to attract more inward investment to deliver growth in priority sectors and in every region.
“Food & drink is one of those, and so I welcome the announcement today and the support from South of Scotland Enterprise.
“We want more high quality, sustainable red meat processing to take place in Scotland, adding value to our livestock sector and securing jobs in our rural communities.
“This modern facility will also include lower-carbon measures including anaerobic digestion and solar energy, helping to deliver on our Net Zero ambitions.”
Greg Pickstock of Pickstock Telford 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.
“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.”
SOSE Chair Russel Griggs said:
"This is exactly the kind of transformational industrial investment that South of Scotland Enterprise exists to enable.
"Our support, from identifying Ecclefechan as a potential location for Pickstock Telford through to our £4.7million investment, has helped unlock millions of pounds of private sector investment into the South of Scotland.
"The project will create high-quality jobs, apprenticeship opportunities and long-term economic benefits while strengthening Scotland's food and farming sector and supporting our ambitions for sustainable growth."
SOSE Chief Executive Jane Morrison-Ross said:
"This is a major investment in Scottish beef and Scottish agriculture, the wider story is one of innovation, sustainability and economic transformation.
"The development combines modern food processing with renewable energy, resource recovery, improved transport efficiency and stronger supply chains.
“It demonstrates the scale of opportunity that exists within the South of Scotland for businesses looking to invest and grow.
"Our upcoming 2025/2026 annual results show our investments delivered a £3.33 return for every pound invested, contributing almost £61m to the South of Scotland economy.
“Pickstock Telford’s Ecclefechan project showcases the South as an area of innovation, and a region with the space, skills and ambition to drive business growth.”
Councillor Andy Ferguson, Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, added:
"This groundbreaking marks an important milestone for Dumfries and Galloway and demonstrates confidence in our region's economy and agricultural sector.
“This significant investment will create jobs, apprenticeships and long-term opportunities for local people while strengthening one of our most important industries.
“We welcome Pickstock Telford's commitment to innovation, sustainability and supporting rural communities, and we look forward to seeing the positive economic benefits this development will bring to Ecclefechan and the wider region in the years ahead."