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.
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 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: