Scottish Forestry to remain as a stand-alone Executive Agency

Scottish Forestry will continue as a stand-alone Executive Agency, Climate Action and Rural Affairs Secretary Gillian Martin has confirmed to Parliament.

As part of Public Service Reforms, the Programme for Government set out that Scottish Forestry could potentially' be part of plans that will bring together SEPA, NatureScot and Zero Waste Scotland into a single overarching environment body.

The Scottish Government continues to work closely with SEPA, NatureScot and Zero Waste Scotland, as well as trade unions and stakeholders, to design the new body, which will include a period of consultation.

In an answer to a Government Initiated Question, Ms Martin said:

Following careful consideration of the options for public service reform, I have decided that Scottish Forestry should continue as a stand-alone Executive Agency. I am grateful for the constructive engagement from stakeholders as I considered this decision.

In reaching this decision, I have considered the distinctive long-term nature of forestry investment and the importance of maintaining confidence across the sector. Continued private investment in woodland creation will be critical in order to meet our climate change ambitions and woodland creation targets.