Written by Eva Osborne-Sherlock from Agriland
Scotland’s forestry contributes £1.1 billion to the economy each year and supports more than 34,000 jobs, a new report has found.
The independent study, commissioned by Scottish Forestry, shows that the industry directly employs 10,380 people, with a further 5,630 working across wood processing and forest activities and 18,130 in forestry-related tourism.
This represents a 30% increase in jobs since 2015.
The Scottish government said the findings underline the growing importance of Scotland’s natural economy and demonstrate how forestry is supporting many businesses, rural economies and communities.
The report was launched by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes as she visited West Fraser’s Dalcross mill at Morayhill, near Inverness. West Fraser is a global manufacturer of wood-based panels.
Forbes said: “Scotland’s forests and woodlands are a sustainable powerhouse. They support a growing number of jobs, many in rural communities, and make an increasingly important contribution to Scotland’s economy.
“The Scottish government is committed to expanding our forests and woodlands and ensure they continue to provide multiple benefits for Scotland.
Scottish Forestry’s head of economics Pat Snowdon said: “Forestry is often called a ‘hidden industry’ because there are so many small businesses placed in remote areas working throughout the sector.
“This comprehensive economic study covers a multitude of forestry activities and their important contribution towards boosting the economy of Scotland.
“The findings provide a snapshot of the different ways forestry generates income and employment across Scotland.”
Chief executive of forestry and wood trade body Confor, Stuart Goodall, said: “This increasingly important industry has experienced strong growth.
“It is testament to the resilience and ingenuity of people working in the sector, hundreds of millions of pounds of investment by businesses, and growing demand for wood as a low carbon material.”
Also Read: Minister Muir addresses issues of capital investment on farms
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Continue reading on the Agriland Website...
The independent study, commissioned by Scottish Forestry, shows that the industry directly employs 10,380 people, with a further 5,630 working across wood processing and forest activities and 18,130 in forestry-related tourism.
This represents a 30% increase in jobs since 2015.
The Scottish government said the findings underline the growing importance of Scotland’s natural economy and demonstrate how forestry is supporting many businesses, rural economies and communities.
The report was launched by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes as she visited West Fraser’s Dalcross mill at Morayhill, near Inverness. West Fraser is a global manufacturer of wood-based panels.
Scottish forestry
Forbes said: “Scotland’s forests and woodlands are a sustainable powerhouse. They support a growing number of jobs, many in rural communities, and make an increasingly important contribution to Scotland’s economy.
“The Scottish government is committed to expanding our forests and woodlands and ensure they continue to provide multiple benefits for Scotland.
Scottish Forestry’s head of economics Pat Snowdon said: “Forestry is often called a ‘hidden industry’ because there are so many small businesses placed in remote areas working throughout the sector.
“This comprehensive economic study covers a multitude of forestry activities and their important contribution towards boosting the economy of Scotland.
“The findings provide a snapshot of the different ways forestry generates income and employment across Scotland.”
Chief executive of forestry and wood trade body Confor, Stuart Goodall, said: “This increasingly important industry has experienced strong growth.
“It is testament to the resilience and ingenuity of people working in the sector, hundreds of millions of pounds of investment by businesses, and growing demand for wood as a low carbon material.”
Also Read: Minister Muir addresses issues of capital investment on farms
The post Scotland’s forestry adds £1.1bn to the economy each year – report appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.
Continue reading on the Agriland Website...
