Minister drops in to dairy firm

STAFF and bosses at Rowan Glen welcomed a special guest on Monday, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon.

She wanted to find out more about the success of the Palnure-based dairy company, which last month won multiple awards at the Royal Highland Show.

The business was newly formed in 2022 when it purchased the factory and Rowan Glen brand with support from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).

Since then, the new management team have established it as one of Scotland’s top 50 take-home food and drink brands, and have also gained Living Wage and Living Hours accreditation.

They have also committed to being more sustainable through the installation of a new milk separator, supported by SOSE, which has allowed the company to use more locally sourced milk, reducing packaging and freight miles.

Ms Gougeon said: “I am delighted to come and see around Rowan Glen dairy.

“It’s also been great to hear about the work Rowan Glen have been doing to make the company more sustainable, such as reducing packaging, showing how businesses can review their operations to reduce their impact on nature and climate.”

Managing director Alan Baxter was pleased to welcome her and said afterwards: “Rowan Glen has always been about quality, taste and sourcing locally.

“The Royal Highland Show result was a proud moment for our business, especially after becoming independently owned just a few years ago. It is brilliant to see our yogurt standing shoulder to shoulder with some of Scotland’s biggest food brands.”

Also taking part in the visit was SOSE chair Russel Griggs OBE.

He described the firm as ‘a vital business for Dumfries and Galloway’, adding: “This is why we decided to support the new management team’s buyout in 2022 and their subsequent efforts to become more sustainable.

“They have shown a real commitment not just to the dairy industry but treating their employees fairly, which in turn has provided significant benefits to the overall running of the company.”