Shetland Livestock and Marketing Group embraces renewable energy

The community-owned mart and abattoir in Lerwick is run by the Shetland Livestock Marketing Group (SLMG). All types of livestock are processed there year-round, playing a vital role in the local supply chain for Shetland’s crofting and farming sector.   
 
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has awarded up to £139,031 towards a heating and turbine installation project as well as supporting investment in new abattoir equipment.  
 
SLMG relies heavily on electricity to maintain health and hygiene standards. By installing two turbines it is expected to save 48,000 kWh of electricity annually, which is around a third of current usage. 

A new heating system will be installed involving five infrared heaters, providing a more efficient and targeted heating system for the sale ring. This will improve the environment for buyers, staff and livestock. In conjunction with renewable supply, it’s a cost-effective way of moving to a zero-carbon heating system.   
 
Modern equipment, such as in-line weighing system and an upgraded holding area, will improve working conditions and manual handling for staff and will reduce hire costs. 
 
SLMG recently invested in technology to establish an auction online with support from HIE’s Digital Enablement Grant. This has increased the pool of remote buyers and resulted in an improvement of auction prices.   
 
Katrina Wiseman, area manager for HIE in Orkney and Shetland, said:  
 
“Agriculture and food and drink are important sectors to Shetland’s economy, employing many people across the island, from farmers and crofters to those in the hospitality industry. This community facility plays a vital role in giving us the ability to put Shetland-reared beef, lamb and pork on the table in households and in hotels.  
 
“We are very pleased to support SLMG in their transition to renewable energy by helping to fund the purchase of equipment that will streamline their operations, as well as supporting the installation of an energy-efficient heating system. This investment will enhance the organisation’s resilience and support their carbon reduction goals.” 

Cecil Eunson, chair of SLMG, said:

“SLMG is delighted to be able to access this grant, which will help futureproof the abattoir and mart facilities. The local mart allows producers to sell on their doorstep, reducing costs and their carbon footprint. It is also a valuable hub that brings the farming community together, quite literally on sale days, in what can be otherwise a quite isolated profession.

"Additionally, as smaller abattoirs are struggling financially everywhere, we also need to ensure that we can remain viable here in Shetland, especially as we are hundreds of miles away from the next nearest abattoir. We are delighted to be able to reduce our environmental costs as well as ensuring we remain financially viable.”

Ends.