Minister praises industry for Storm Arwen response

Environment Minister Màiri McAllan attended the latest in a series of meetings to discuss the next steps in the response, organised by Confor and Scottish Forestry.

She said: “Storm Arwen might have happened last year but its effects will be felt by many for some time to come. I am impressed how the major players in the forestry sector are working together in such a collaborative way. This coordination of action is needed and I would like to thank the industry for their pragmatic way of dealing with the storm’s aftermath."

Andy Leitch, Deputy Chief Executive of Confor, added: “The whole wood supply chain is working collectively to understand what specific support woodland owners, both large and small, need in the wake of the storm.

“The first priority is making forests and woods safe, then understanding how and when to remove the windblown wood safely and to coincide with market demand. That involves close cooperation between foresters, woodland owners and wood processors - and that cooperation is progressing well. 

"The Scottish forestry sector is in great shape and I'm very confident that the swift and joined-up response to Storm Arwen means it will continue to grow and thrive."