One of the country's oldest and best-known food brands will continue to be produced in Scotland after it was taken over by another Scottish firm.
Hall's of Broxburn was bought by Dumfriesshire-based Browns Food Group (Browns) from Dutch owner VION.
The acquisition has effectively merged two of Scotland's oldest food businesses, both known for producing meat products such as sausages and haggis.
VION announced last year that it was closing the Hall's factory in Broxburn, West Lothian, putting 1,100 permanent staff and 600 agency staff out of work.
Browns, which is headquartered in Kirkconnel, Dumfriesshire, will make Hall's products at its own plants.
The firm also plans to keep Hall's van operation which has safeguarded the jobs of 50 van drivers.
Browns finance director Alan Hill said: "We are very pleased to have secured the future of one of Scotland's best-known brands, and to have brought it safely under private Scottish ownership. It is especially fitting that we agreed the deal so close to Burns Night, as Hall's is one of the world's largest suppliers of haggis.
"We intend to invest heavily in the Hall's brand and we will preserve and increase its reputation by offering food that is both good quality and good value. This will also lead to job creation and security."
A spokesman for VION Food Group said: "Following their acquisition of the Hall's brand, we would like to wish Browns Food Group every success with their plans for the business."
Finance Secretary John Swinney welcomed the news. "We have always known that there was significant value in the brand and I am glad that it will continue with another great Scottish company," he said. "Browns are a fantastic business and I welcome their investment and new drive to make the most of the Hall's brand."
