A new report published today reveals that Scotland’s forestry sector is a hidden success story and is contributing nearly £1 billion to the economy through forest management, timber processing and recreation – a substantial increase from the previous figure of £670 million.
The forestry sector, including tourism and recreation, is also a major employer, supporting over 25,000 jobs across Scotland.
There has been a significant boost to employment levels in the forest management and processing sector with over 19,500 people now working in the industry – a jump of 6,500 (about 50 per cent) compared to the previous report back in 2008.
Importantly, many of these jobs are located in rural locations therefore forestry is supporting more fragile economies.
The work of the sector is also vital in enabling other key Scottish industries to grow, such as in the energy, construction, tourism and potentially biotechnology fields.
More: Scots forestry a hidden £1 billion economic success story
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