ARRAN Creamery will close its doors after owners failed to find a buyer.

First Milk last week announced the commencement of employee consultation about proposed changes at its Scottish Creameries.

The Scottish Creameries were put up for sale in April 2018 when First Milk announced that its Campbeltown and Arran Creameries were not core to its business strategy for the future. Despite significant effort over the last 12 months, it has not been possible to conclude the sale of the Arran site.

Shelagh Hancock, Chief Executive, said: “We are deeply disappointed that it has not been possible to conclude a sale of Arran Creamery. We remain hopeful that it will be possible to secure the future of the Campbeltown Creamery in the ownership of the local farmers and the proposed changes that we have announced today will help with that.

“We fully appreciate that these developments have significant consequences for colleagues at the Creameries and the local community, but it is important that we act in the best interest of the wider business and our farmer members.

“We regret the impact this decision will have on our colleagues and are committed to treating those affected fairly and with consideration during this difficult time.”