Construction has begun on a new £24 million-plus beef processing facility in Ecclefechan, Dumfries and Galloway, with the development expected to create hundreds of jobs during construction and dozens of permanent roles once operational.

The Pickstock Telford facility is being supported by a £4.7 million investment from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), one of the organisation’s largest investments to date.

The development is expected to create around 250 jobs during construction and 90 permanent positions once the facility is operational. Around 40 apprenticeship opportunities are also anticipated, including approximately 25 during construction and a further 15 once the site is fully operational.

The project is intended to strengthen Scotland's food supply chain while retaining more of the value generated by the beef sector within the rural economy.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Ecclefechan site on Wednesday, September 16, attended by representatives from Pickstock Telford, SOSE and Dumfries and Galloway Council.

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The facility is expected to be fully operational in early 2029.

Designed as a lower-carbon food production site, the development will incorporate anaerobic digestion, combined heat and power, and solar energy generation.

The use of renewable energy on site, alongside reduced livestock transport, is expected to help lower carbon emissions while maintaining animal welfare standards.

Greg Pickstock of Pickstock Telford said the development was intended to establish long-term links with farmers and the wider rural economy.

"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."