Forestry and Land Scotland's new Corporate Plan has eyes on the future

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has published (17 March)  its latest Corporate Plan setting out how it will maximise the value of Scotland’s national forests and land in delivering benefits for people, for nature, for climate and for the economy.

As well as describing core activities and the potential for FLS to consider doing more and further develop those areas, it also describes how exploring new opportunities, particularly innovative technologies, could help to improve business efficiency. 

FLS CEO, Kevin Quinlan, said;

“We are a strong organisation with an enduring mission “to look after Scotland’s national forests and land, for the benefit of all, now and for the future”. 

“To allow us to do that and build on our 100 year legacy, we need to keep up with the rapid pace of change affecting the forestry sector and make ourselves fit for the future. 

“That includes developing more partnerships with the public, the private sector and with communities just as much as it means improving our efficiency and effectiveness to become a stronger, more focused and more resilient organisation.”

FLS currently generates around 80% of its funding from trading activities, including timber sales, estate development, renewable energy, and commercial aspects of visitor services. The remaining 20% is from Scottish Government funding.

The new Corporate Plan and associated three-year Business Plan (2026/27 to 2028/29) focus on identifying alternative sources of funding and increasing financial sustainability by generating more income from trading activities to reinvest in the land FLS manages, as well as in the communities and public services that it provides. 

The plan has been developed after consultation with key stakeholders, including eNGO’s, community bodies, land managers, customers and individuals.

Kevin added; 

“We are proud of the contributions that we make to Scotland’s Net Zero commitments and to the economy across a broad spectrum of activity.  

“That includes producing 40% of Scotland’s timber, welcoming over 10 million visits per year from tourists and local residents, supporting over 100 community projects and many more events, hosting 14% of Scotland’s onshore windfarms and conserving and restoring iconic landscapes and nature within the 8% of Scotland in our care.

“We intend to  build on that and continuing to deliver for the people of Scotland.” 

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. Home - Forestry and Land Scotland | twitter.com/ForestryLS