Potato firm James Haggart and Sons falls into administration

After weeks of rumours, it has been confirmed that a Muthill potato firm has gone into administration, leading to the loss of two jobs and putting 15 more at risk.

Family-owned James Haggart and Sons has been in the area for over 50 years and has been forced to call in accountants KPMG after facing financial difficulty.

The firm grows and supplies potatoes and potato seed throughout Britain and abroad and employed 17 people.

Blair Nimmo and Gary Fraser of KPMG have been appointed joint administrators. The company will continue to trade under their control.

On a seven-acre site the company owns several agricultural buildings, including potato grading and cold storage facilities. Around 70% of the business is growing a mixture of seed, while the remainder of produce is ware potatoes.

Still on site are 678 tonnes of planting seed, 1712 tonnes of seed for sale, 1261 tonnes of ware and farm machinery.

The administrators are inviting offers for the trade and assets of the business.