Top award for Scottish Woodlands Ltd
Scottish Woodlands has won a leading industry prize for its part in creating an "excellent new commercial woodland”.
The 210 hectares of forestry planting near Gladhouse Reservoir in Midlothian, won the New Commercial Woods Trophy in Scotland's Finest Woods Awards, presented at a ceremony at the Scottish Parliament.
Neil Aitchison and Michael Wilson of Scottish Woodlands worked with the landowner, Rosebery Estate Partnership, to develop the productive woodland site in the hills to the south-east of Edinburgh. The planting was carried out in 2020, starting in April, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It was a very interesting time to be planting, when the vast majority of people were at home and the roads were so quiet,” said Mr Wilson. “We were only able to continue planting, under strict Covid-19 guidelines, because forestry businesses had been granted ‘key worker’ status due to the strategic importance of the industry.”
He paid tribute to Mr Aitchison (now retired), for his huge contribution to the project, as well as Mark Hamilton, the consultant on the Forestry Grant Scheme application, and to Tom Hobbs and Julie Paton at Scottish Forestry.
“It was a really great team effort at a challenging time for everyone involved,” Mr Wilson added.
Scotland's Finest Woods Awards praised the partners in the scheme for creating "a sensitively-designed woodland", which reflected the local landscape and the site’s cultural heritage. Archaeological features were protected and water quality secured through strict adherence to forests and water guidelines.
The judges said: “The team (Rosebery Estate Partnership, Galbraith, and Scottish Woodlands Ltd) have achieved the establishment of an excellent new commercial woodland with very good access and potential for high productivity. They have done this while working together with a number of external stakeholders, with whom early engagement has built up a significant level of trust and understanding. All involved should be proud of what they have achieved.”
The New Commercial Woods Trophy was sponsored by wood processor Glennon Brothers, and presented by Mairi Gougeon, the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs.
Ian Robinson, Managing Director of Scottish Woodlands Ltd, said: "We always work really hard to create high-quality woodlands, and it's great when this is recognised and rewarded. Well done to Michael Wilson and the team, and the other partners in the project for their exceptional work. It's always pleasing to be honoured by the industry."
Wilma Harper, Chair of Scotland’s Finest Woods, said: “This is the 40th anniversary year of Scotland’s Finest Woods and what a year it has been for celebrating all that is great about our woods and forests! All our entrants and winners play a vital role and every entry brings a story of collective endeavour and commitment.”
