Grampian Food Group said it regretted the job losses

The company said a �16m redevelopment of its site at Broxburn near Edinburgh, will create 200 jobs.

Stephen Heslop, regional director for Grampian's Scottish Pork Operations, hailed the "significant investment" of the Broxburn operation.

But he conceded the job losses at Buckie would result in a net job loss within the company.

The company intends to re-locate the pork processing operations at Buckie, Morayshire, and part of the sausage manufacturing operations at Elmswell in Suffolk to Broxburn.

Although we are creating new employment at Broxburn, there will be a net job loss within the Group Stephen Heslop Grampian Country Foods

Its expansion in Broxburn will increase the workforce to 1,060 and increase production of bacon, sausages, haggis and other pork products.

Mr Heslop said: "This is a significant investment which creates an opportunity for us to consolidate and add value to our Scottish pork business.

"As the major processor in Scotland, our focus on a dedicated and expanded plant at Broxburn will help safeguard the future of the Scottish pig herd and we look forward to continuing our close relationship with producers.

"Regrettably, we are also announcing at this time the proposed closure of our Buckie facility and although we are creating new employment at Broxburn, there will be a net job loss within the group."

The company said it would be consulting with employees in an effort to avoid redundancy, including securing alternative employment either within the business or with other local firms.