29/08/2026
I visited the abattoir in Stornoway on Wednesday evening as organised by Scotland's Farm Advisory Service - FAS. This was a rare opportunity to see inside the facility before they open at the end of the month.
What really hit home was how great a facility it is, and how vital it is to have such a facility on the island. The professionalism and quality of the facility, right here in Stornoway, makes this a valuable island asset.
Unfortunately the number of crofters using the facility has declined and it really does sound like we may lose it. It really is a case of USE IT OR LOSE IT.
If you are a crofter and sending you animals elsewhere I would be interested to hear why in the comments below. Would you miss the facility?
When we do eventually have meat available to purchase it will have come through this facility, reducing food miles, stress for the animals, and giving the assurance of quality meat.
Stornoway Abattoir Open for Bookings
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is encouraging members of the public in Lewis and Harris to utilise the facilities at Stornoway Abattoir.
Stornoway Abattoir is open from 31 August 2026 until 18 December 2026; booking can be made now by calling 01851 706733.
Stornoway Abattoir is the only council run abattoir facility in the United Kingdom and provides an important service to local crofters.
Benefits of Using the Local Abattoir
• Vets monitor the overall welfare of animals to ensure that they are healthy and treated humanely.
• Vets carry out post-mortem checks ensuring they don’t contain anything harmful like Hydatid Disease – a parasitic infection that causes cysts to grow in the liver and other organs of humans.
• All carcasses are checked and stamped to ensure that they are fit for human consumption.
• The abattoir has regular audits from Food Standards Scotland and Quality Meat Scotland, ensuring everything is being handled safely and hygienically.
• There have been cases of people getting ill from eating infected meat from animals not killed in a slaughterhouse.
A spokesperson for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said: “Members of the public in Lewis and Harris planning to kill livestock are encouraged to contact Stornoway Abattoir to make a booking. Stornoway Abattoir currently operates at a loss. Increased usage of the abattoir will support the continued availability of a safe, hygienic, and regulated abattoir facility in the Western Isles.”
Abattoir Charges for 2026 (incl. QMS levy and VAT)
Kill Only
Sheep 12 months - £44.50
Goats - £40.50
Cattle - £185.50
Pigs 75kg - £134.00
Additional Charges
Cutting Charge - £12.00
Vacuum Packing Charge - £25.00
