Forestry and Land Scotland – A new agency to manage Scottish state forests

Forestry and Land Scotland came into being as an Executive agency of the Scottish Government on 1 April 2019, when forestry in Scotland became wholly devolved to the constituent nations of the UK.

With 941 employees working across 5 geographical regions and within a national team, their mission is to look after Scotland’s forests and land, for the benefit of all, now and for the future.

Having picked up the baton passed to us by our predecessor, Forest Enterprise Scotland, they are now responsible for managing 640,000 ha of national forests and land on behalf of Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; and delivers benefits for people and nature. Their work also enhances biodiversity, supports tourism and increases access to the green spaces that will help improve Scotland’s physical and mental health and well-being.

Forestry and Land Scotland also supports Scottish Ministers in their role as leaders of Sustainable Forest Management and Sustainable Development through their stewardship of the national forests and land.

The work that Forestry and Land Scotland does will continue to provide vital timber supplies to support the rural economy. They are proud to contribute to the continuing success of forestry in Scotland. Work on their national forests and land contributes £1 million to the Scottish economy each day, supports 11,000 jobs, soaks up over 3 million tonnes of CO2 each year and hosts over 80 community projects with a focus on inclusive activities. Forestry and Land Scotland intends to build on this success.