SWL Director: "Forestry needs certainty to thrive"
One of our Directors, David Robertson, recently gave evidence to to the Scottish Parliament's Rural Affairs and Islands Committee.
He emphasised the need for "certainty, certainty, certainty" if the forestry and wood industry is to thrive in Scotland.
Mr Robertson, SWL Director of Investment and Business Development, said: "I cannot stress enough how vital ambitious and stable government targets are for the forestry sector. These targets are far more than political ambitions; they provide the foundation for private investment, which is crucial to achieving our goals. Without clear and consistent targets, we risk losing investor confidence and the funding necessary to increase woodland cover, enhance biodiversity, and secure the thousands of jobs tied to forestry."
Both Mr Robertson and Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of trade body Confor, highlighted the critical need to reduce Scotland’s reliance on imported timber.
He said: "While 80% of structural timber used in the UK is imported, Scotland has the resources and expertise to change this. Scotland has the potential to lead as a forest nation, not just in planting but in how we use the timber we grow. A significant portion of Scotland’s timber is currently exported south or used in lower value products, while much of the timber used in Scottish construction is imported. This needs to change."