McInnes delighted to win forest rethink.

12.00.00am GMT Fri 13th Mar 2009

Alison demonstrates to save forests

The Scottish Government's rethink on the future of Scotland's forests is welcome news according to Lib Dem MSP for Aberdeenshire, Alison McInnes.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have successfully campaigned against proposals, contained within the Climate Change Bill, that could have seen a quarter of Forestry Commission forests leased out to private companies, along with full cutting rights.

Alison remarked: "Our forests are one of Scotland's greatest natural assets, and we cannot afford to put them, or the jobs and leisure activities associated with them at risk.

"The strength of feeling against these plans from constituents has been quite overwhelming, and so I was determined to make their opinions heard at Parliament. I am absolutely delighted our campaign has resulted in the proposals being dropped, and that our forests - which are such an integral part of our communities and heritage - will be protected."