[docsal]

Hello all

I have been taking lambs/hoggets to Downfield in Fife the last few years. I have 4 ready to go next week, been booked in since July. I have been unable to contact anyone there and just heard second hand it has closed down. Website still up. Usually their communications are prompt and efficient.
In the event they have closed down, can anyone recommend anywhere else? I am Aberdeen.

Regards
Sally

[Womble]

Sally, I know the farm that the abattoir is based at was up for sale a few months ago, so it wouldn't surprise me if they have closed down, at least temporarily?

[Eeyore-77]

Hi Sally,

They sent me a message as part of what looked like a distribution list on the 9th of August. I’ve copied the message I got below in full for you.
I put a post on here at the time and I believe that Rosemary was writing to someone at the Scottish Government about it. Shotts is the next closest I think now, but felt a bit far to travel.
I sold my 12 that were going to be going in for slaughter at a store sale a fortnight ago. I don’t break even on keeping them for the joke of a price I got for them (£1 more than I sold similar ones for 6 years ago), so it’s just as well I keep them for fun rather than for paying bills.
Might try Shotts in 2023 after all.
Good luck.

Good afternoon.

It is with deep regret that we write to inform you that the abattoir and butchery at Downfield will cease to operate on Friday 2nd September 2022.

It has become increasingly difficult to carry the costs involved in running such a facility, the continuing rising energy and staffing costs in particular, and together with recent staffing issues we are unfortunately unable to sustain the business any longer.

Our final day in the abattoir will be Monday 29th August and if you are currently booked into the diary on or before this date we will still be able to honour your booking.  Bookings thereafter we sadly cannot fulfil, and we would recommend that you speak with either Wishaw or Shotts abattoirs, in the first instance.

This is not a decision that has been made lightly, and we are genuinely sorry that this step has had to be taken, but sadly we have no other alternative.

We would like to thank you for your business over the past years and wish you the very best for the future.

Vikki Banks
Facilities Manager