Scotland’s environmental watchdog has inspected progress in a Perthshire chicken factory at the centre of a stench row.
Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) investigators visited the 2 Sisters Food Group site in Coupar Angus after the company installed a series of measures to control unpleasant odours.
The visit was to assess whether the improvements would see the factory pass the body’s “satisfactory” grade.
Sepa received 62 official complaints this year alone from local residents and previously carried out an inspection in August.
As a result, 2 Sisters was told to take action on its scalder units, feather/waste sheds, a tank farm and blood uplifts.
The company then submitted an action plan in September.
Improvements included putting an odour neutralising fan on a timer to operate for 15 minutes per hour.
The firm also replaced missing slats on a PVC curtain and arranged for a programme of drain cleaning.
An automatic door closer was also installed.
Sepa’s inspection of the site included monitoring progress against the 2 Sisters action plan.
A spokesperson for Sepa said: “The 2 Sisters Poultry site at Coupar Angus submitted an action plan to Sepa on September 30.
“The operator has made improvements at the site since this time in line with the action plan.
“Sepa carried out an inspection this week and will assess whether the measures implemented are satisfactory.”
A 2 Sisters Food Group spokesperson said: “2 Sisters Food Group remains committed to working with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and air quality management experts to implement our action plan.
“Earlier this week, we hosted a constructive site visit with Sepa to evaluate our progress.We are currently assessing compliance with requirements of the action plan.
“We intend to send an update to regular complainants and the community council by the end of this week.”