THE haggis renowned as the world's best seller is to stay on the shelves after a Scots company bought the rights and recipes to the Hall's brand.

The move by family firm Browns Food Group, based in Kirkconnel, Dumfriesshire, means the retention of the Hall's production in Scotland. Its van sales operation will also continue throughout Scotland securing 500 jobs in that area.

Hall's has been bought by Browns from its Dutch owner Vion for an undisclosed sum amid concerns it could be lost as the Hall's of Broxburn's West Lothian factory is wound down with the loss of 1700 jobs.

Browns, established in 1885, said that in buying the Hall's brand, created in 1932, it merged two of Scotland's oldest family-owned food businesses.

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.

"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."

The deal also includes Wee Willie Winkie, lorne and link sausage and black, white and fruit pudding recipes.

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."