Scotland's national forests and land - which we manage on behalf of Scottish Ministers and the people of Scotland - are a treasured national asset. As well as benefiting our environment and people, it also makes an important contribution to Scotland's economy.

The following report, published in November 2018, evaluates the contribution of the estate to Scotland's economy.

The Economic Contribution of Scotland’s National Forests (PDF 843KB)

Why is this important?

The report assesses the number of jobs provided by the estate, and the value of the wide range of activities that the estate supports. It highlights why the estate is so important to Scotland and, as the first report of its kind, it also provides a baseline against which to measure its future performance and management.

Supported employment

The jobs supported by Scotland's national forests include direct employment with Forestry and Land Scotland and Scottish Forestry, as well as jobs from the harvesting, timber transport, timber processing, venison, renewable energy and tourism sectors.

Many of the jobs supported by activity in these forests are in rural and remote locations where employment opportunities are limited.
 

Wide range of activities

The report represents the wide range of activities that take place on the estate. In addition to sustainable forestry and timber production, estate activities include renewable energy developments, agriculture, community projects, conservation and recreation and tourism.

Diverse benefits

Of course, Scotland's national forests don't just deliver economic benefits. They also provides diverse habitats for wildlife, fight climate change, support health and communities, and create some of our most beautiful landscapes.