STRANRAER, SCOTLAND
The Home Of Award-Winning Scottish Cheddar
STRANRAER’S STORY
The mild, moist climate of South West Scotland is perfect for dairy farming and the area is one of the largest dairy fields in the UK, producing high quality milk.
Stranraer, the second largest town in Dumfries & Galloway, nearly 90 miles southwest of Glasgow, has been home to a creamery since 1899. Originally called the Galloway Cheese Company, over time (with a colourful history of liquidation, growth, mergers and acquisition), the creamery was to become the Caledonian Cheese Company.
In 1995 the site was bought by A. McLelland & Sons Limited and in turn in 2005, the Lactalis Group purchased A. McLelland & Sons Limited and with it the creamery in Stranraer comprising Caledonian Cheese Company Limited and McLelland Cheese Packing Limited.
OUR AWARD-WINNING CREAMERY
Our award-winning creamery, the Caledonian Cheese Company Limited manufactures award-winning Scottish cheddar and is the home of the Seriously® & Galloway Cheddar brands:
Full-flavoured, distinctive, characterful and seriously tasty, Seriously® Cheddar has won more Great Taste Awards than any other cheddar brand.
Galloway® has been the family’s favourite Scottish cheddar brand since 1959. Made only with 100% Scottish milk, it has a smooth, creamy flavour that’s loved by Scottish families.
We also manufacture whey powder at the creamery, supplying many well-known companies who use our products in a wide range of confectionery, ice creams and ready meals.
MCLELLAND CHEESE PACKING
OUR STATE-OF-THE ART PACKING FACILITY
McLelland Cheese Packing Limited is our state-of-the-art packing facility, also in Stranraer, Scotland, packing block, grated & sliced cheddar under our brands Seriously® and Galloway® as well as retailer own brand.
WHY WORK FOR US IN STRANRAER?
The team in Stranraer has the secure backing of a global group that can offer a world of opportunity to the right candidates.
Join a team that’s proud to be part of Lactalis Group — the world’s largest dairy company. With over 85,500 colleagues globally, we’re united by a shared passion for dairy excellence and a commitment to growing together. At our Stranraer site, you’ll be part of a close-knit team of around 220 people working across Cheese & Whey Production, Warehousing, Engineering, Packing, Quality & Laboratory, Finance, HSE (Health, Safety & Environment), Lean/Continuous Improvement, and HR.
 We offer:
- AÂ competitive benefits package
- A strong focus on training and career progression including our apprenticeship programmes.
We’re deeply rooted in our local community. Our partnership with the Stranraer Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centre reflects our commitment to making a meaningful difference beyond the workplace. We also take pride in supporting and participating in local events such as the Oyster Festival and Awarding Wigtownshire.
Stranraer itself is a stunning coastal town nestled by Loch Ryan, surrounded by the rolling landscapes of Dumfries & Galloway. From expansive beaches and woodland trails to castles, gardens, distilleries, and even a UNESCO Biosphere, the area offers an adventure playground for nature lovers and explorers alike. We’re also well-connected to Ireland, the Scottish central belt, and northern England.
Whether you’re looking to build a career in food manufacturing or simply want to work somewhere that values people, community, and progress—consider joining our team in Stranraer.
If you’re interested in joining our team but don’t see a current vacancy that matches your skills, we’d still love to hear from you. Please send a speculative application including your CV, a covering letter outlining your areas of interest, and confirmation of your right to work in the UK to recruit.stranraer@uk.lactalis.com. We review all submissions carefully and will be in touch if a suitable opportunity arises.
STRANRAER VACANCIES
There are currently no vacancies.
STRANRAER HISTORY
The Creamery History
1899
First creamery built in Stranraer
1899
First creamery built in Stranraer by Galloway Creameries Co-operative Farmers Association. The location was on the same site as the creamery today.
1920
Creamery taken over by Galloway Creamery Ltd
1920
The Galloway Creameries Co-operative Farmers Association goes onto liquidation. The creamery is taken over by Galloway Creamery Ltd.
1933/4
Scottish Milk Marketing Board formed
1933/4
The Scottish Milk Marketing Board formed. They take over the Galloway Creamery.
1968
New creamery opened by HRH Princess Margaret
1968
New creamery opened by HRH Princess Margaret following major refurbishment in the mid 1960s.
1990
Galloway Cheese Company Ltd takes over
1990
Galloway Cheese Company Ltd takes over (with shared ownership of 60% by SMMB Scottish Pride, 20% St Ivel and 20% CWS). C. £13m spent refurbishing the creamery with a new Alfa Laval cheese making system.
1994
Galloway Cheese Company Ltd goes into liquidation
1994
Galloway Cheese Company Ltd goes into liquidation. 120 jobs lost.
1995
A McLelland & Son consortium buy the creamery
1995
A McLelland & Son consortium buy the creamery. Work restarts.
2005
Acquisition of A McLelland & Sons Ltd. by the Lactalis Group
2005
Acquisition of A McLelland & Sons Ltd. by the Lactalis Group. The Group purchase the Scotland based cheese manufacturer with its factories in Stranraer.
Today
Since 2005, Lactalis has invested over £30m
Today
Since 2005, Lactalis has invested over £30m in both the Caledonian Cheese Company Ltd and McLelland Cheese Packaging Ltd. This includes improvements to milk reception, case packing, conveyoring and sliced & grated cheese capability.