A group of Scottish dairy farmers has launched a crowdfunding campaign to save Campbeltown Creamery.
The 29 farmers, known as the Mull of Kintyre Milk Supply Co-operative, hope to buy the creamery and the Mull of Kintyre cheddar brand from current owners, First Milk.
They hope to fund the purchase through the use of levy from every litre of milk produced and external funding which is currently being sought. This includes a crowdfunding campaign to raise £50,000.
“We are currently facing a huge and exciting opportunity with a clear mission – to secure the future of the Campbeltown Creamery for the benefit of the Kintyre community,” said local farmer, Thomas Cameron.
“Dairy farms in the area need the creamery in order to thrive and the creamery needs us. Given the challenges of sustaining a vibrant economy in this remote part of Scotland, the role of the dairy sector in Kintyre is fundamental to its success.”
NFU Scotland milk committee chairman John Smith, who is also involved, said: “This is a bold and inspiring bid from producers in Kintyre to preserve their creamery and to continue making world-famous, award-winning Mull of Kintyre cheddar.
“These hard working family farms have built their businesses with a view to continuing to milk cows; building and promoting the Mull of Kintyre brand locally and nationally and are looking positively to the future. Funders will take the Mull of Kintyre brand to the next level by getting behind a cheese that has real provenance.”