Scottish MSPs Rhona Brankin and John Home Robertson visited the Airfield Sawmill of Lothian Trees and Timber (LTT) to mark the award of contracts to supply Scottish oak to the new parliament building at Holyrood.
Midlothian-based LTT is among 13 timber yards across Scotland that will supply some 35m³ of home-grown timber for use in the high-profile front of house areas of the building.
The total value of the contracts is just over £13,000.
Mr Home Robertson said: ‘The parliament’s design team made clear from the outset its desire to showcase the very best Scottish materials.’
According to the Scottish parliament, the contracts have run ‘close to exhausting’ all currently available supplies of Scottish oak which meet the project team’s strict environmental and construction requirements.
But LTT’s Sean Brady, a leading light within the Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers, blamed procurement legislation for preventing more use of Scottish oak, adding: ‘There is certainly enough good quality oak grown in Scotland.’
