More than 100 people from across the timber industry and government attended a Timber Transport Seminar hosted by the Scottish Forest Industries Cluster in Glasgow.
Processors, hauliers and growers joined officials from government and local authorities, rail operators and shipping companies to hear how transport is one of the big issues facing the forest industry today.
Speaker David Killer, head of Forestry Civil Engineering, explored the basis for timber transport and public road use, including precedents and the implications of how public roads are used for road haulage. He underlined the value of regional timber transport groups and route maps as a practical solution to the issue.
David Spaven, of Deltix Transport Consulting, spoke about the potential timber applications of the non-intrusive rail crossover system (NICS). Deltix’s NICS report indicates more than 20 sites in Scotland where the system has clear potential.
The Scottish Forest Industries Cluster said changing policies, new regulation and rising fuel prices were creating significant change and challenges for the sector.
