There’s a very high risk of wildfire in south west and east Scotland from 28 March to 1 June 2026. Please pay attention to local guidance and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

The timber industry

The timber industry is vital to the Scottish economy. Timber from Scotland’s national forests is used for:

Each year, we produce some 3.2 million cubic metres of timber. The vast majority is grown to standard dimensions.

This timber can be cut to size for use in:

  • construction
  • fencing production
  • paper production
  • making pallets
  • woodchips
  • wood fuel

Timber's economic impact

Forestry and timber processing accounts for £1.1 billion of Gross Value Added (GVA) every year. That’s more than the fishing industry. Breaking down the economic impact:

  • £878 million comes from forestry
  • £252 million comes from forest recreation/tourism

The timber industry provides more than 34,000 jobs across different sectors including:

  • wood production
  • forest management
  • haulage
  • processing

These jobs are split across different sectors:

  • 10,380 are directly employed
  • 5,630 are in wood processing and forest activities
  • 18,130 are in forestry-related tourism

We support both directly and indirectly:

  • 1,970 businesses in forestry including harvesting, support services and other forestry activities, with 10,380 employees
  • 220 businesses in the primary wood processing sector
  • road haulage, supporting 1,220 jobs across Scotland

Read more about how we support forest operations in: the economic impact of forest based activities in Scotland produced by Scottish forestry. 

Sustainability managing Scotland's forests

We manage our forests to support sustainable timber production. For every tree harvested, we plant more. Our foresters carefully select species and carry out research to tackle disease and improve resilience. Where possible, we use alternatives to clear-felling.

We also protect and enhance habitats for wildlife, while shaping landscapes people enjoy. By locking up carbon, our forests help tackle climate change.

All of our forests are independently certified as being responsibly managed. We are regularly audited against the United Kingdom Woodland Assurance Standard. The standard endorsed in the UK by the international Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC ®) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

Timber sales

We're major suppliers to the wood-panel, pulp and paper and saw-milling industries. We also supply emerging wood-energy markets. Over one third of our production is sold on the open market.

To purchase timber visit our eSales website:

Timber eSales website

Timber marketing framework

Our Timber Marketing Framework 2020-2029 sets out how we market timber in a fair, open and transparent way. Our strategy aligns with Scotland’s Forestry Strategy and industry priorities.

The Framework is available to download at:

Timber Marketing Framework 2020 2029
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