February 2007

In a statement following the full meeting of Stirling Council held on the 9th of February 2007, Neil McLean, Joint Managing Director of United Auctions said:

"Naturally, we are pleased that Stirling Council has recognised the local and national importance and the urgency of replacing Kildean with a mart which will be one of the best of its kind in Europe.

"While we welcome the Councillors’ in-principle decision, which is a positive step forward, there is still a long way for us to go. We are concerned about the proposed retail recommendation in particular. Agri-related businesses are an integral component of a modern mart and without them the project’s overall viability and practicality is undermined. We will be discussing this and a number of other issues in more detail with planning officials.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful staff, who have continued to be magnificent through this long-lasting period of uncertainty. Our sincere gratitude also goes to those in Scotland’s farming and business communities who have offered their support during this process. We are indebted to everyone who rallied round."