Confor award winners recognised at sparkling Edinburgh event

She added: “Forestry is so central to what we need to do, and Government support and targets will continue to drive that. But change can be unsettling for communities and I will support in every way I can the many benefits forestry can deliver.” She said bringing communities into discussions at an early stage could avoid problems further down the line, as Scotland faced up to climate change, biodiversity loss and land use change.

“Private and public sector collaboration is very important to me,” she said. “We succeed better in facing challenges when we collaborate - and I’m committed to working with you to mitigate them, and to take all the opportunities.”

She presented the top award of the night, for Dedicated Service to Forestry, to Graham Taylor MBE, a Director at Pryor & Rickett, where he has worked for 30 years.

The awards dinner also heard the sad news of the passing of Dr Jean Balfour, who was joint winner of the Dedicated Service to Forestry Award in 2015.

The Winners

Tom Barnes' work on the Wood for the Trees series of films (on forest management and resilient woodlands) was highlighted by the Changing Attitudes Award judges. He has put his own time and money into promoting greater understanding and awareness of the sector and the films have had more than 60,000 views.

Tom was unfortunately unable to attend the Edinburgh event, but was presented with his award by Forestry Minister Trudy Harrison MP in London.

Neil Stoddart, the first winner of the Net Zero Award, was praised for his work in ensuring the "the industry he loves so much remains sustainable, profitable - and ultimately cleaner and greener than the day he entered it".

A special award to mark the 40th anniversary of the Scottish Forestry Trust was presented to recognise excellence in education and training. It was awarded jointly to the Royal Scottish Forestry Society for its Forest Centre at Cashel, and to The Scottish Council for Development and Industry’s Young Engineers and Science Clubs Team - and Confor - for the Climate Smarter Initiative. 

Stuart Goodall said: "I'd like to congratulate all the worthy winners - and their fellow finalists - recognised at our biggest-ever awards dinner. These Awards showcase the amazing talent that is driving the forestry and wood industry forward. We're in great shape and stand ready, willing and able to tackle the big economic and environmental challenges ahead." 

Confor would like to thank the Award sponsors - Forestry Commission, Forestry & Land Scotland, the Institute of Chartered Foresters, James Jones & Sons, Scottish Woodlands Ltd and Tilhill.