Macsween of Edinburgh, the leading haggis brand, has secured a £400,000 grant from the Scottish Government. 

The money will support the development of a new packing facility adjacent to its existing site, in order to meet the growing demand for its products.  The grant was one of sixteen awarded under round five of the Food Processing and Co-operation Scheme, part of Scotland’s Rural Development Programme.

Commenting on the award, James Macsween said:

“We are delighted that the Scottish Government has seen fit to award us this grant, worth some 30% of our total project costs to expand our manufacturing facility in Edinburgh.  This will really help us to meet the growing, all year demand for our haggis from discerning customers throughout the UK, who value its quality and taste.  We will also be creating twelve jobs within the year as this facility will allow us to take on more business with new and existing customers.”

As well as its commercial potential, the award also recognises Macsween’s sound values and continued proactive approach to environmental management across the business.  This has seen it significantly reduce waste volumes over the past three years, moving towards a zero land fill target.  The values are embedded in the family business, the self-styled ‘Guardian of Scotland’s National Dish’, which has been making haggis in Edinburgh for over 50 years.  A market leader in both natural casing and vegetarian haggis, Macsween has secured significant orders with the leading supermarkets and its products are used by a growing band of chefs and commercial caterers.

ENDS

CONTACT: Michael Groves, Great Circle.  Tel: 0131 225 4646.  E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it



MACSWEEN
Macsween of Edinburgh has been at the forefront of haggis production for more than 50 years.  Macsween’s traditional (meat) and vegetarian haggis is listed in most of the multiple retailers (including Morrison’s, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose), independent retailers and eateries all over the UK. In 2009, the company celebrates the 25th anniversary of its award winning vegetarian haggis.

While haggis production has continued to increase, the company has achieved significant reductions in waste sent to landfill, water use and carbon emissions.  This commitment to sustainable, long term growth has been recognised by the food industry and environmental experts.

 

THE NATIONAL FOOD PROCESSING, MARKETING AND CO-OPERATION GRANTS SCHEME
The award to Macsween is part of the National Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Grants Scheme, which in turn is part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). Grants are available to build or refurbish premises, purchase new equipment, support marketing and business development and encourage collaboration. A total of £60 million is being awarded over five years, along with £10 million through the Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme in the European Fisheries Fund, and £5 million through the Marketing Development Scheme.