A major Scottish meat producer has hailed making the switch to wind and solar power.

The square sausage specialist said its £3 million renewable energy system is now live and set to generate 120 per cent of the firm's energy needs ahead of Christmas production rush.

Simon Howie, the Scottish butcher and UK household meat brand, said it has taken a major step forward on its path to net zero with the installation of a 104-metre high wind turbine and 3,800 solar panels on the company’s land in Dunning, Perthshire.

It is thought to be the first meat producer using entirely renewable energy in Scotland.

It is forecast to reduce the company’s carbon emissions by over 500 tonnes per year.

The firm said the change comes just in time for the businesses peak operating months, October to February, which see the company deliver on the increased demand for Christmas and then straight into haggis season in the run-up to Burns Night.

Set to be the company’s “busiest ever festive period, its range of products, including pigs in blankets, bacon and the UK’s best-selling haggis, will be made with a reduced carbon footprint of over 200 tonnes for this period alone”, the firm said.

As well as operating more sustainably the company now hires over 130 staff an increase of over 20 from this time last year.

Simon Howie during the wind turbine construction Simon Howie during the wind turbine construction (Image: Fraser Band)

The business has also invested in battery storage to maximise return from the energy generated and to continue to power the factory for night shifts or on days where it is neither sunny nor windy. Any excess energy generated once the batteries are full and on demand needs are met will be sold back to the grid.

Supporting the circular economy, the wind turbine was sourced from an existing wind farm, instead of manufacturing a new asset.

The project has been primarily funded by Simon Howie with additional support coming from Scottish Enterprise who provided a £500,000 grant towards the solar panels.

The new system makes the company one of the most sustainable food and drink businesses in Scotland, producing high quality food products with no reliance on fossil fuels.

Simon Howie, owner of Simon Howie Group, said: "After two years of planning it’s wonderful to see our renewable energy system now live. Getting the wind turbine and solar panels operational has been a logistical challenge but will reap rewards both for us as a business but also for our customers and consumers as it allows us to do all we can to protect them from energy-related price hikes.

"We take our responsibilities to the planet very seriously. The climate emergency is real and as one of Scotland’s biggest food manufacturers we are committed to a more sustainable future. We hope that by showcasing the environmental and commercial benefits of renewable energy, we can encourage other food and drink manufacturers to consider how they can consider a more responsible future."