Rural Payments and Services

Environment Minister announces work to complete devolution of forestry.

Steps towards completing devolution of the arrangements for the management of forestry in Scotland are to be taken forward, Minister for Environment, Land Reform and Climate Change Aileen McLeod has confirmed. The Minister confirmed that the Scottish and UK Governments have agreed to discuss options for the transfer of Forestry Commissioners’ powers and duties as they relate to Scotland.

Dr McLeod said:

“The forestry sector is of huge importance to Scotland and we want to build on the economic, social and environmental benefits that Scotland’s forestry offers the whole country.

“Although forestry is devolved to Scotland, the management of our national forest estate and other forestry functions are still provided by the cross-border Forestry Commission.

“In order to devolve forestry powers fully to Scotland, we have agreed with the UK Government that officials will work jointly to consider options for taking this forward and I will announce further details in due course.”