Mass media coverage for jobs report
THE report highlighting the significant growth of forestry and timber jobs in Scotland during the economic downturn has received widespread coverage - across TV, radio, newspapers, websites and social media.
Confor worked closely with Forestry Commission Scotland ahead of the launch of the report, which showed that direct employment in forestry and wood processing rose from just over 13,000 in 2008 to 19,500-plus by 2013/4. The sector is now a £1 billion industry in Scotland.
Chief Executive Stuart Goodall was quoted across the online and print coverage and appeared in the BBC's two-minute feature on its flagship Reporting Scotland programme. The piece starts at 14 minutes, 4 seconds.
STV North also ran a significant feature, while Border ITV ran a piece tonight (film at end of article). Several radio stations, including Radio Scotland, also covered the story prominently.
Newspaper coverage included The Scotsman and The Herald, while several popular business websites carried detailed pieces, including BQ Live and The Daily Business.
Confor also led the social media discussion on the report, with widespread pick-up of its regular tweets.
Stuart Goodall said: "It is great to see the mainstream media - and social media - picking up on the story and recognising the value of the forestry and wood sector to Scotland's economy. We will continue to work closely with Scottish Government ministers and Forestry Commission Scotland to get across the positive messages from the sector - and to ensure that its wide-ranging economic, environmental and social benefits are secured for future generations by increasing tree planting."