Thursday December 11th 2025
Free Range Egg Unit (UK Farming)
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A Galashiels farmer is planning a £2m investment in a new poultry unit to house almost 40,000 birds producing free range eggs, it has emerged.
The proposals from William Montgomery of Colmslie Farm, south of Ladhopemuir, are to diversify his business to ensure its viability for the future.
He operates a mixed agricultural enterprise based at Colmslie with the holding extending to approximately 500 acres which is actively managed and operated by the applicant and his family.
Mr Montgomery has two children and who are both keen farmers however the farm cannot sustain employment of three families and this opportunity will deliver the necessary financial opportunities and the chicken manure waste to aid in their land fertilisation.
A report in support of the application states that the proposed development “represented a significant step in the farm’s diversification strategy”, responding to increasing demand for higher-welfare agricultural products and offering long-term security for the farm.
The report adds: “The applicant now seeks to expand the existing operation through the erection of a free-range 39,500 bird egg unit. The proposal forms part of a business plan to develop a sustainable and economically viable egg production enterprise at the farm.
“The UK egg industry is undergoing rapid structural change, driven by the national commitment to end the sale of caged eggs by the end of 2025. As a result, the demand for free-range eggs has increased significantly, creating new opportunities for producers to invest in high-welfare systems.”
The investment for this proposed unit totals approximately £2 million, covering groundworks, buildings, equipment, and associated infrastructure.
The development will also result in the creation of 2-4 full-time jobs on the farm.
The use of the building is for the housing of free-range laying hens, together with a linked control room, litter store and associated feed silos.
A free-range egg production system is an extensive and welfare-friendly form of egg production.
The nest boxes are angled towards the conveyor and the hens lay their eggs in the nest boxes. The eggs then roll onto the conveyor and are brought to the packing area.
The feeding system within the building is based on an automated chain feeding system which operates every two hours between 6am and 9pm.
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