Report predicts northern forestry boom

18 September 1998

Report predicts northern forestry boom

A REPORT on the future for forest-related industries has forecast a boom in wood processing which could create more than 12,000 jobs in Scotland and the north-east of England over the next 20 years.

The annual timber harvest from first-generation forests in Britain is expected to increase from 7.7 million cubic metres to 14m.

The report was prepared for the Forestry Commission, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprises by consultants Jaakko Poyry. It identifies opportunities for 12 new sawmills, eight new production lines for wood panel and up to three new paper-making machines.

• The Herald 18/09/98 page 23