New strategy for Scotland’s Forest and Timber sector revealed

The Scottish Forest and Timber Technologies Advisory Group has announced the publication of its new industry strategy which aims to significantly increase the contribution that the sector makes to Scotland.

The strategy, Roots for Future Growth, aims to grow the forest and timber sector through investment and innovation in sustainable resources, processing capacity and products, markets and people. It will also focus on the opportunities that are available in the transition to a low carbon economy.

The forest and timber industry is placed to make a significant contribution to the Scottish Government's low carbon ambitions through carbon capture and sequestration. Forests absorb substantial amounts of carbon, which is locked up throughout the lifetime of the timber product which is then produced. Moreover, wood products are recyclable, and ultimately can be burned to generate heat and power. The more economic activity delivered by these industries, the greater the environmental gain.

Currently, the total impact of the Scottish timber and forest industry on Scotland’s economy is estimated to be £1.67 billion GVA, supporting 38,500 jobs. It is a growth sector which plays a particularly important role in the economy of rural Scotland.

The new strategy captures the Industry Advisory Group’s vision which is to sustain current annual growth of 4 per cent, resulting in the sector’s contribution doubling by 2025. This would add a further £1.1 bn GVA.

The objectives of Roots for Future Growth are to:

• grow and communicate the forest and timber industries’ contribution to Scotland
• grow the area of new productive forest planting
• grow the market share and value-added of Scotland’s forest products
• grow the skills and capacity of the people involved in the industries

John Kissock OBE, Chair of the Scottish Forest and Timber Technologies Advisory Group said:

“‘Roots for Future Growth’ represents an important milestone for our timber and forest industries and sets out the challenge that lies ahead. Many years of sustained capital investment have given Scotland a solid base of internationally competitive timber processing facilities.

“The opportunity now is to deliver sustained growth in the establishment of productive forests, allied to innovation in product and process development which can add value to the raw material grown here in Scotland. To do so will not only restore confidence in investors and those employed in the industry, but will also ensure the industry is able to maximize its potential impact on both the economic and environmental well being of Scotland.”

Alistair McKinnon, director of forest and timber technologies, Scottish Enterprise, said:

“The forest and timber industry already makes a significant contribution to Scotland and in the new strategy, Roots for Future Growth, we propose ways and means of making the existing markets work even more effectively. Despite the challenging economic climate, we believe that Scotland’s forest and timber sector has the capacity to double over the next fifteen years and it is vital that the industry works together to grasp all of the available opportunities.

“The strategy is challenging and ambitious, and it will also help Scotland to reduce the impact of climate change, become a low carbon economy and help to meet the Scottish Government’s target of generating 50 per cent of energy from renewable sources by 2020.”

The industry advisory group represents a cross section of Scotland’s forest and timber industries including growers, sawmills, manufacturers, timber merchants, architects and academia alongside representatives of four regional industry groups. It is supported by Scottish Enterprise, Forestry Commission Scotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.