YOU’LL have heard the phrase ‘can’t see the forest for the trees’ but, honestly, sometimes it’s very important to pay attention to the little details and the individual facets that make up the bigger picture.
Somewhat ironically, that’s exactly what we’re doing this week by zooming in on one small, but substantially important, part of the nation’s wider economic landscape: the Scottish timber industry.
As Scotland is known for its vast forests, rugged landscapes and stunning natural heritage, it’s no surprise to discover that our timber sector is as sprawling and diverse as the woodlands it draws from.
According to Forestry and Land Scotland, the timber industry contributes a significant £878million of Gross Value Added (GVA) to the national economy each and every year. It’s a figure that reflects not only financial strength, but also the deep, long-lasting importance of forestry to Scotland’s rural and urban communities alike.
The sector also supports around 30,000 jobs across the country, spanning every part of a tree’s journeys from seed to saw, such as wood production, forest management, haulage and processing roles.
Juggling factors
And all of this is merely the frontline of the sector itself. When you branch out further into the practical uses of Scottish timber, there’s plenty of benefits and careers created within other key industries such as house building, construction, wood panelling, furniture and even paper processing.
Major challenges, such as ensuring that timber is both a continuous, yet sustainable commodity in our forests for businesses are paramount. For every tree cut down, it’s reported that more are planted, creating not only a sustainable product but also forests for our communities to enjoy.
There’s also the delicate task of juggling factors such as biodiversity, wildlife, tree health and preventing excessive deforestation. After all, money doesn’t grow on trees but without a self-sufficient source, the timber sector would struggle to make much of an ongoing profit.
But with the country putting down its roots in providing world-class timber exports, it’s a vital opportunity to ensure the sector can continue to grow from strength to strength.
Edinburgh timber firm St Andrews Timber & Building Supplies recently marked a colossal milestone, completing its one millionth sale since it was founded in 2002. The family-run business has grown from humble beginnings, so to see this achievement for a local company, committed to growth and investment, especially after a recent expansion, is hugely rewarding.
However, even a sector with the heights of the timber industry in Scotland, has its rocky moments. Recently, the UK’s largest independent timber distribution and processing group, National Timber Group, found itself falling into administration.
The Sheffield-based firm operates a number of brands across the UK, including a vast majority in Scotland, and this unfortunate news has seen 169 jobs in Scotland impacted.
Also, six of the firm’s Scottish outlets have already closed including in Dumbarton, Forfar, Newton Stewart, Stirling, Hawkhill in Edinburgh and Anniesland in Glasgow.
In its prime
Losing jobs, especially as we’re heading into the Christmas period, is painful news and I’m hoping that there’s support for these employees — whether that be in the form of a buyer to the business or other job opportunities.
More needs to be done to ensure that this sector gets the support it needs to keep growing. As Scotland is already recognised as one of the most important locations international for its high-quality timber, we need to cultivate an untouchable industry that’s not cut down in its prime.
Here’s hoping that more is done to protect not only our forests, but the companies and people that make the most of them.
By turning over a new leaf in our attitudes to this vital sector, we can protect thousands of job roles, ensure businesses thrive and keep Scotland standing tall in the timber industry.
Greens banking on more delays
I was pleased to hear positive news for Scotland’s tourism industry this week, with two exciting new projects in the pipeline.
However, it is interesting to compare the reaction to these developments compared to others in our rural economy of late.
In a week where it appears Scotland’s first Center Parcs village, due to be situated in Hawick in the Scottish Borders, is poised for approval and there are plans to expand a holiday resort in Loch Lomond, I can’t help but feel sorry for the developers at Lomond Banks.
These new developments appear to be getting an easy ride in comparison to the Flamingo Land proposals at the shores of Loch Lomond, which have been hindered at every corner and turn by Ross Greer and the Scottish Greens.
I see no difference between Lomond Banks, Center Parcs and the expansion plans for the Ardlui Hotel, Marina and Holiday Park, following the site’s acquisition by Preston-based leisure company Harrison Holidays after the retirement of the previous site owners.
All three attractions are zoned for tourism, will bring jobs to local communities and provide a huge boost to our rural economies and Scotland’s wider tourism industry and visitor offering.
It seems Lomond Banks has been designated a political football by the Greens and it’s one they seemingly just won’t stop kicking.
Their silence on other developments, coupled with their incessant badgering of Lomond Banks, smacks of hypocrisy and of a party whose sole purpose seems to be holding Scotland back.
NIKO’S BUSINESS MEATING
WHILE undoubtedly a bit of solid self-promotion, I’m not sure Celebrity Traitors’ star Niko Omilana’s latest PR stunt made business sense.
The YouTuber recently opened a surprise pop-up drive-thru opposite a McDonald’s in Glasgow’s southside and had customers causing traffic jams.
The free burger and fries restaurant called “NotmcDunaLd’s” caused fury among commuters trying to get home, with many taking to social media to vent.
While the stooshie surrounding this stunt was great for brand awareness – and I appreciate Niko’s ballsy approach – I don’t think I’ll be entering into any business ventures with him soon!
It Made Me Weep
This past week dealt another huge blow for Scotland’s once-booming oil and gas sector with more job losses on the way.
I was sad to read that North Sea giant Harbour Energy has decided to cut its workforce by half, citing pressures caused by the windfall tax.
In the latest round of cuts, around 100 offshore jobs are set to go in the North East as the sector continues to toil.
With the transition to green energy, there are bound to be major changes across the energy sector in Scotland.
I just hope governments are able to protect skilled jobs and keep these key workers in employment across the greater Aberdeen region.
