LIBDEM FORESTRY SUMMIT CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO SCRAP SELL OFF PLANS (Jim Hume)

LIBDEM FORESTRY SUMMIT CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO SCRAP SELL OFF PLANS

January 14, 2009 12:00 AM

Jim Hume, MSP for the South of Scotland and Libdem Environment spokesperson, has called on the Scottish Government to scrap plans to sell off Scotland's forests to private investment companies, endangering jobs and development in renewable energies.

At a Forestry Summit hosted by Mr Hume, key stakeholders who will be affected by the plans to offer 75 years leases on Forestry Commission sites voiced concerns that rural industries and the communities which they support will suffer if Scotland's forests are auctioned off.

Commenting, Mr Hume said:

"The Scottish Government's plan effectively to sell off great chunks of the Forestry Commission's most commercially viable estate is hugely flawed. The turn out during today's Forestry Summit is testament to the wave of opposition rising up against what is essentially privatisation by the back door.

"Despite opposition from leading environmental and land based organisations, the SNP is clearly prepared to sell off some of Scotland's most valuable land at a moment's notice.

"We will not drop our fight to save Scotland's forests. The Government needs to listen to the voices of the experts, those employed and supported by the forests and rural industry.

"Scottish Ministers must keep Scotland's forests in public ownership."

Jonny Hall, Head of Rural Policy for NFU Scotland, added:

"These plans could trigger a major upheaval in rural development and particularly issues surrounding land use change.

"These plans are naïve, ill conceived and could have severe implications far beyond the forestry industry."

ENDSNotes to Editors:List of attendees to summit as follows:

1.Cllr Ruth Currie, East Lothian

2.Jonny Hall, Head of Rural Policy, NFUS

3.Sarah Anderson, Press & Parliamentary Affairs Manager, NFUS

4.Davie Black, Wildland Campaign Officer, Ramblers' Association Scotland

5.Andrew Fairbairn, Policy and Communications Manager, Woodland Trust Scotland

6.Jonathan Wordsworth, Rural Land Use Adviser, Archaeology Scotland (Scottish Environment Link member)

7.Edward Shepherd, Forestry Commission, Trade Union Side Secretary