New initiative highlighted at forestry jobs summit will be a 'catalyst for job opportunities', believes MSP Fergus Ewing

A BRAND new jobs initiative aimed at generating employment within the forestry sector will help fuel opportunities for young people in the industry, a Highland MSP believes.

Fergus Ewing, who represents Inverness and Nairn, was speaking after early successes were reported through the new Growing Rural Talent initiative.

Mr Ewing, who is also the cabinet secretary for rural economy and connectivity, praised the new scheme which has already seen some forestry companies take on new young recruites.

The initiative and other support for prospective employers were highlighted in the recent Forestry Jobs Summit, organised by the Industry Leadership Group and attended by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing and key forestry organisations.

Already, forestry companies Tilhill, Egger and James Jones & Sons are providing new young recruits with a first step into forestry. During the summit, a further two companies confirmed their plans to offer opportunities for new starts.

Welcoming the drive to recruit more young people into the forest industries, Mr Ewing said: “The forestry sector in Scotland is a success story. It generates around £1 billion to the economy each year and supports around 25,000 jobs. Timber production levels are increasing and in the years to come we will need to have a young skilled workforce in place to meet demand.

“I am pleased that both Scottish Forestry and Forestry and Land Scotland have doubled their intake of opportunities for young people.

“This is a great start and I’m very encouraged to hear that two other companies have confirmed their plans to take on young people. It is very welcome news that the private sector is helping new people into the industry - I hope we can build on this and offer many more similar opportunities. ”

Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of forestry and wood trade body Confor, said: “Forestry and wood processing is a sector on the up and very much of its time. By planting more trees, managing them well and using more home-grown wood, we can lock up carbon to help Scotland achieve its world-leading climate change targets. The drive to reach net zero by 2045 means we will need many more low-carbon businesses, and far more young people with a wide range of forestry and wood-using skills who want to be part of this ambitious, exciting journey."

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