More than 100 jobs at risk at Aberdeenshire butcher

More than 100 jobs are at risk after an Aberdeenshire butcher business announced plans to close.

Donald Russell is an online butcher based in Inverurie.

The firm said it had faced "mounting challenges" in recent years, including volatile meat prices.

It is thought the closure plans affect about 120 workers, all of whom will now enter a collective consultation process.

In a letter to a local MP, interim chief executive Matthew Flood said the decision to cease operations was made after a comprehensive review of its financial position and trading conditions.

He said: "Donald Russell was established in 1974 and has been a respected employer in Aberdeenshire for over 50 years.

"The business specialises in premium meat products, serving both business-to-business customers (primarily restaurants) and direct-to-consumer clients through its online platform."

Flood said the business has faced mounting challenges in recent years, including "unprecedented volatility in meat prices affecting margins, unpredictable energy costs impacting operations, and the rising costs of doing business".

He added: "Regrettably, the business's position is more challenging than initially understood, and Donald Russell is unable to continue trading in its current form."

A 45-day collective consultation process is being held.

"During this period, we remain open to exploring all viable alternatives, including actively marketing the business for sale to new owners who might be able to operate it more successfully," Flood said.

"However, we are also planning realistically for closure, and our priority is to support our colleagues through this difficult period with transparency, dignity and all available assistance."

The business had closed its cold storage distribution centre in Kintore last year, resulting in about 70 jobs losses.

Gordon and Buchan MP Harriet Cross said: "This announcement will be deeply concerning for our meat industry, both in the north east, and across Scotland.

"The closure of Donald Russell would be devastating for the business, their staff, the supply chains and farmers who have all relied on the business for more than 50 years."