The Scottish sawmilling industry is enjoying high levels of confidence having fought off fierce global competition, the Scottish Parliament has heard during a forestry debate.
Environment minister Michael Russell said unprecedented levels of investment in the nation’s wood processing industry – £250m during the past two years alone – was a “major success story”. New investment stretches from the Borders and Dumfries to Irvine and Fort William.
He said the sector had fought off competition to remain profitable through a period of historically low timber prices.
“This is testament to the industry’s business acumen and its ability to adapt and innovate.”
Mr Russell said more than 40,000 jobs were now supported by the Scottish forestry sector, with the industry generating around £760m each year for the economy.
