PRINCESS Anne made no mis-steak in opening an Inverclyde butcher’s new £800,000 production facility.

Her Royal Highness visited Mearns T McCaskie in Wemyss Bay yesterday to cut the ribbon at the state-of-the-art plant, which has been built over the last 18 months behind the Shore Road shop.

Crowds braved the cold and gathered outside to welcome the royal guest before she was given a tour by owner Nigel Ovens, who runs the family firm with his wife Helen and mother Elizabeth, whose father established the business in 1935.

The Princess Royal spent time meeting with staff and invited guests as she was given a tour of McCaskie’s, the adjoining delicatessen and Seaview Cafe before being shown around the new production facility, where a butchery demonstration was laid on.

HRH heaped praised on the operation and wished Nigel and his team all the best for the future before unveiling a commemorative plaque.

Nigel said: “The whole McCaskie’s team were absolutely thrilled to welcome Her Royal Highness here and delighted at the level of interest she took in hearing about our plans for the future of our business, and the time she spent speaking with staff and others who work for the company.

“The expansion project to create the new premises has been a huge amount of work and our thanks go to all those who have helped and supported us over the past 18 months to bring our plans to reality.”

Nigel’s nieces Serena, seven, and Harriet, 10, presented the royal visitor with flowers before he handed over a hamper of McCaskie’s produce for her to take away.

The Princess Royal was there in her role as president of the Scotch Beef Club, which is run by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

Jim McLaren, chairman of QMS, said: “It is hugely encouraging to see the level of dedication the Ovens family are displaying to delivering a top-quality eating and customer experience.

“They are also totally committed to Scotch Beef PGI (protected geographical indication) Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork and see these brands, underpinned by world-leading quality assurance, as playing an essential part of their ambitious growth plans for their business.

“We wish them every success for this exciting new chapter in the history of their business.”

McCaskie’s has a range of over 150 products, including its multi award-winning haggis and black pudding, and the new facility will help the company to keep up with demand from near and far.