Plans to construct a £3m abattoir on the outskirts of Dalbattie have been put on hold, according to the BBC.

It is understood a lack of financial support is the reason for the stalled plans.

Consent for the facility was given to Dumfries and Galloway Food Co-operative (DGFC) during the summer. It had secured a grant of £1.3m from the Scottish Government towards the costs, but it said it was unable to find the remaining money needed.

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Chairman Percy Weatherall is quoted as saying: "It is disappointing to be putting things on hold after we have made so much progress.

"The fact is we have failed to garner the financial support we need to take the project forward on a sound footing.

"The board is reluctant to press ahead with debt funding at a time of general uncertainty."

He added: "While the project will be on hold, the DGFC will continue to hold the site for which planning permission has been secured.

"I very much hope that, in the not-too-distant future, we will be able to secure the necessary funding and that the region will be able to benefit from our project."

(JP/CD)