Forestry and wood processing at the crossroads
A Scottish Woodlands Director will join a crucial discussion about the future of the forestry and wood industry in Scotland next month.
Discussions at Forestry and Wood Processing at The Crossroads will include the sharp fall in tree planting rates in 2024/25, the climate for investment in forestry in Scotland, the importance of consistency in the application and approval process, and the potential impacts of UK taxation changes on rural businesses.
Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs in the Scottish Government, will speak at the event, and join a political panel - to discuss the policy actions needed to help the industry thrive, ahead of the next Holyrood elections in May 2026.
David Robertson, Director of Investment and Business Development for Scottish Woodlands Ltd, will join an industry panel at the event, organised by forestry and wood trade body Confor and Scotland’s largest legal firm, Brodies LLP.
Mr Robertson said: “This a really timely event as we look ahead to the Scottish Parliament elections next May. The wide-ranging economic, environmental and social benefits of forestry and wood processing in Scotland are well-known - but we are in real danger of missing out on future benefits."
“The time taken to get woodlands creation schemes approved is increasing, and is putting off existing and potential investors. There is inconsistency in the application and approval process across Scotland - and criticism of planting schemes that is sometimes based on rumour and historical prejudice is often being given equal weight with hard evidence against the backdrop of one of the most stringent forestry standards in the world.”
Stuart Goodall, CEO of Confor, will set the scene for the discussions, while Graeme Leith and Emily Pike, Partners at Brodies LLP, will discuss the potential impacts of changes to taxation policy at UK level on forestry in Scotland.