Forestry and Land Scotland has published its latest Corporate Plan on the 17th of March, setting out how it will manage the nation’s forests and land to deliver benefits for people, nature, climate and the wider economy.
The plan outlines both its core work and how the organisation intends to evolve, with a clear focus on strengthening partnerships, improving efficiency and exploring new opportunities through innovation and emerging technologies.
At its heart is a simple ambition to secure long term value from Scotland’s national forests while adapting to a fast changing sector that is under increasing environmental and economic pressure.
Chief Executive Kevin Quinlan said:
“We are a strong organisation with an enduring mission ‘to look after Scotland’s national forests and land, for the benefit of all, now and for the future’.
“To allow us to do that and build on our 100 year legacy, we need to keep up with the rapid pace of change affecting the forestry sector and make ourselves fit for the future.
“That includes developing more partnerships with the public, the private sector and with communities just as much as it means improving our efficiency and effectiveness to become a stronger, more focussed and more resilient organisation.”
Forestry and Land Scotland already generates around 80% of its funding through trading activity, including timber production, estate development, renewable energy and visitor services, with the remaining 20% coming from Scottish Government support.
The new Corporate Plan, alongside a three year Business Plan running from 2026 to 2029, places a strong emphasis on increasing financial sustainability by growing income streams and reinvesting that money back into the land, communities and services under its care.
It also reflects a broad consultation process involving environmental organisations, community groups, land managers and customers, ensuring that the direction of travel is grounded in both expertise and public interest.
Kevin added:
“We are proud of the contributions that we make to Scotland’s Net Zero commitments and to the economy across a broad spectrum of activity.
“That includes producing 40% of Scotland’s timber, welcoming over 10 million visits per year from tourists and local residents, supporting over 100 community projects and many more events, hosting 14% of Scotland’s onshore windfarms and conserving and restoring iconic landscapes and nature within the 8% of Scotland in our care.
“We intend to build on that and continuing to deliver for the people of Scotland.”
With climate targets tightening and land use under increasing scrutiny, the plan signals a shift towards a more commercially resilient and forward looking model that still holds firm to its public mission.
It is a balancing act between stewardship and sustainability, and one that will shape how Scotland’s forests serve the country for decades to come.
Scotland’s national forests face a changing future as Forestry and Land Scotland sets out a new plan to boost sustainability, grow income and strengthen partnerships while protecting landscapes, supporting communities and contributing to the country’s climate goals.
