Whether the review of land managed by Forestry Commission Scotland has been completed and, if so, whether the Executive has considered the …

In August 2003, we announced a review of the long-term role of Scotland's national forest estate. This land, owned by Scottish ministers and managed by Forestry Commission Scotland, represents 8.5% of Scotland's land area. Staff from the Forestry Commission, Scottish Executive Environment and Rural AffairsDepartment, Scottish Natural Heritage and an external assessor from the forest industry carried out the review, under the guidance of the Forestry Commission’s National Committee for Scotland. We asked for recommendations about changes that would improve the ability of the estate to deliver the priorities set out in the Scottish Forestry Strategy, together with other Executive policies.
The review group reported to ministers in May 2004. They based their report on an extensive consultation exercise, as well as an economic analysis of the estate, carried out by independent consultants. In addition to receiving over 400 written responses to the consultation paper, the review group organised seven consultation meetings across Scotland. We are most grateful to everyone who participated in this consultation exercise.
We have now concluded our deliberations on the report and have accepted all 30 of its recommendations; endorsing the vision that "Scotland's national forests will benefit everyone in Scotland, promoting vibrant and healthy communities; enriching natural environments and our cultural heritage, and creating wide-ranging opportunities for economic development”.
Copies of the report are available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 34224) and on the Forestry Commission’s website www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland.