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We are investing in the future of our Rothesay creamery and our farmer members on Bute by installing state-of-the-art equipment, which will enable whey to be processed at the site for the first time.

This project has been supported by Highlands & Islands Enterprise, which has contributed more than £180,000 to the project.

More than 2,000 tonnes of cheese, including the renowned Isle of Bute brand, is produced at Rothesay each year for our Scottish Highlands and Islands Cheese Company.

Following the completion of the project works, the whey will be concentrated at Rothesay creamery before being transported to our ingredients facility at Maelor in North Wales where it will be converted into lactose powder for sale across the globe.

Jeff Halliwell, Managing Director of First Milk’s cheese business, explained: “In the past, whey – a by-product of cheese manufacturing – had little value. However this situation has changed significantly and there is now a global demand for the product which can be used as an ingredient in a wide range of products including confectionery and the ready meals market.

“It therefore makes good business sense to make this investment at Rothesay now and capitalise on the market opportunities which we can ultimately return to our farmer members.

“This project could not have progressed without the financial support from Highlands & Islands Enterprise and we have worked in partnership to ensure the right outcome for our business and for the future of dairy farming on Bute.”

Rothesay General Manager, John Miller, said the investment is good news for the 18 staff at the creamery: “We have been producing award-winning cheese in Rothesay for almost 50 years and now, we will also be able to produce an added-value product. This investment further underlines First Milk’s commitment to the creamery and the local area.”

Bute farmer Duncan Lyon is one of 18 First Milk producers supplying the creamery: “Coupled with the milk price increases, this development at the creamery gives Bute farmers confidence for the future. We are happy with the direction that First Milk is taking with the Rothesay facility and we are optimistic for the future.”