Concerns have been raised over the announcement by dairy firm First Milk that it is to sell its creameries in Campbeltown and on Arran.

First Milk, one of the UK’s largest Dairy Co-operatives, stated in the media release that following a review of its operations, the sites in the West of Scotland are no longer “a strategic fit for First Milk moving forward”.

Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has written to the Chief Executive of First Milk, Shelagh Hancock, to express his concern for the workforce of the creameries, should an adequate buyer not be found, and also to ask why the firm sees potential for the sites but not enough for them to invest in them.

He has also asked the firm whether or not they explored adopting the “Orkney Model” which would involve a partnership between several key stakeholders including some public sector involvement.

Donald Cameron MSP said:

“While this news is clearly unwelcome for the local diary sector in Argyll, and especially in Kintyre, it will not come as a surprise to those who have dealt with First Milk over several years.

I have written to First Milk to ask them what the specific reasons are for this announcement, and why they feel that even though there is clear demand for the goods produced in this area, they do not see this as viable for their business.

In any case, workers deserve clear answers from First Milk which I hope to pursue.”