Forestry and Land Scotland is asking members of the public to continue to observe site safety signage at Beinn Ghuilean even though felling work was completed on schedule in January.

The felling work was carried out to tackle the tree disease Phytophthora ramorum and was completed last month despite delays arising from lockdown and the impact of COVID-19.

Although the majority of the felled timber has been sent to processors around 1000 tonnes of timber is still stacked at roadside, waiting to be moved.

Jo Maclean, FLS’s Area Visitor Services Manager said:

“We’d like to thank our visitors for following the site signage and keeping themselves – and our contractors – safe while out in the forest. 

“However, even though the felling work is now finished most of the safety signage will stay in place a while longer until the timber is taken off site – hopefully by the end of March 2021.

“There will be a lot of heavy vehicles going in and out of the forest so it’s important that visitors stay out of the way and stick to marked diversion routes. 

“We would also ask visitors to the forest to follow our biosecurity Keep it Clean guidance and help limit the spread of this horrible tree disease.” 

The spores that cause the disease can be carried from site to site in forest debris and mud that can cling to boots, walking gear, bike wheels and dogs’ paws.

Taking a few minutes to brush it off – before and after a visit – can help to limit the spread of the disease.

Access restrictions are in place from the Tomaig Road/Narrowfield entrance as well as other locations near the timber stacks and there continues to be no through route or access along this section of the road. Please follow safety and diversion signage on site.

The Land Management Plan for Beinn Ghuilean forest is due for renewal in 2021 and FLS will continue to work with local communities and stakeholders as we consider the future design of the forest and land that we manage there.

Notes to editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.

2. forestryandland.gov.scot | twitter.com/ForestryLS

3. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.