Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, visited Glen Prosen this week (Thu 28 Sept) to learn first-hand how the site could become an exemplar for integrated land management in Scotland.

Acquired by Forestry and Land Scotland in 2022, Glen Prosen will be the focal point of a long-term plan that will include all of FLS’ land holdings in the area (including Glen Doll and Glen Isla) and add impetus to ambitions for partnership working with neighbouring land owners and managers.

The visit comes a week ahead of an initial phase of community and stakeholder engagement in which FLS will gather ideas and opinions from stakeholders, local communities and visitors, which will help shape the development of a land management plan.

FLS is also hoping to hear from community groups, charities, learning institutions, businesses, and other interested parties, that might have ideas and proposals for potential uses of the on-site buildings that will benefit the wider community and support the environmental aims of the project.

Ms Gougeon, said;

“Habitat restoration and a gradual transition to native woodland are likely to be key aspirations but maximising the public and community benefits that could be delivered through this project will be a key feature of this developing project.

“This is not only about developing the land management objectives but also about taking advantage of the exciting possibilities for creating community facilities and resources in the buildings.

“Community and stakeholder input will be integral to achieving this and I would encourage everyone with an interest in contributing to the future of the estate to take part when FLS begins to gather views and ideas next month.”

Anyone interested in taking part can do so online from 25^th September to 12^th November 2023. In addition, there will be an information display (and opportunities to offer feedback) in the education room at the Glen Doll Ranger Centre from 6^th  October –12^th November. 

FLS staff will be available to talk through the consultation process, answer questions and discuss ideas and concerns at -

• Glen Doll Ranger Centre - Fri 6^th Oct, Tue 10 Oct, Sat 21 Oct –– 10am-3pm
• Memus Village Hall - Wed 18^th Oct –– 12-7pm
• Kirriemuir Town Hall - Wed 25^th Oct –12-7pm

Views gathered in the initial sessions will inform FLS thinking as a draft Land Management Plan is worked up over the winter for formal consultation in Spring 2024.

The acquisition of Glen Prosen has given FLS an unprecedented opportunity to work at a landscape scale - and in conjunction with neighbouring land land-owners - to effect changes that will help Scotland’s efforts to address the climate emergency and the biodiversity crisis. 

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.