First Milk has announced that it is exploring the opportunity to develop a new, modern and efficient cheese and whey manufacturing facility on the Kintyre peninsula.

Jeff Halliwell, managing director of First Milk's cheese business, commented: "Our aim is to a deliver a world class processing network for our business and to achieve this we have reviewed all our sites, including our creamery at Campbeltown, and developed a program of activity.

"We believe that the best option to secure the long-term future of dairying in Kintyre is to develop a modern and flexible manufacturing footprint at a new site on the peninsula. This move would also enable us to take full advantage of the potential of the Mull of Kintyre cheese brand."