Lib Dems Step Up Save Our Forest Campaign In North East (Alison McInnes)

Alison McInnes <info@alisonmcinnes.co.uk>

Lib Dems Step Up Save Our Forest Campaign In North East

January 23, 2009 12:00 AM

Alison protests about forestry proposal

Alison McInnes, MSP North East Scotland and Lib Dem Climate Change spokesperson was joined by Lib Dem Environment spokesperson, Jim Hume MSP, and representatives of various organisations at the Bin Forest near Huntly today (Friday)

Feelings are running high about the Government's proposals to lease out 25% of Scottish Forestry. Alison McInnes has been running a campaign to gauge public views on the Government's proposals, producing an overwhelming response which led to the meeting being held.

Mrs McInnes commented:

"Forestry is owned by the people of Scotland who make use of it for all types of leisure pursuits. Today we have met with representatives from the Nordic Skiing Club, Scottish Rallying, Balloch Riding Group and dog walkers, all of whom want our forests to remain as they are with the level of access undisturbed."

Jim Hume confirmed the Scottish Government's proposal, saying:

"The Scottish Government's proposal to lease off great swathes of Forestry Commission estate to private investment companies has caused huge concern for Forestry Commission employees, the wood and forestry sectors and those living in rural communities dependent on forestry for jobs and facilities."

Mary Stelman, president of Balloch Riders Access Group said:

"We have created a number of tracks and trails in local forests, which have been funded by public money and are jointly maintained by the group and the Forestry Commission, who we have an excellent relationship with. It would be an absolute disgrace if the forests were leased to private investors and access was then denied.

"Our group feel extremely concerned about these issues, prompting many to attend today to hear what our MSP's have to say."

Peter Thorne, secretary of Huntly Nordic Skiing Club agreed, saying:

"We help to manage and maintain the forest ski trails in the Clashindarroch, in agreement with the Forestry Commission, they are acknowledged as being the best in the UK. Two young Huntly cross-country skiers are now competing at senior World Cup level. I would be very worried by 25% of our forests going into private hands as there would be a serious knock-on effect to tourism and recreation which could be very damaging."

Ken Wood, who is involved in Special Stage Rallying, said that the organisation and competitors pay dearly to have the roads maintained by the Forestry Commission, but, if the forests were privately owned, there may not be any facilities for rallying in Scotland. Rallying brings tourists into the area resulting in extra income for the local economy.

Other representations made at the meeting were from local councillor, Alastair Ross; Jim Seaton and Brian Allison from the PCS Union (which, among others, represents forestry workers).

The main message to be put forward today is that of "SAVE OUR FORESTS".