1. Arran Project
Summary of Project:
A series of strategic public road improvements on the island of Arran will result in: improved access to Arran’s forests and timber, improved access to the island’s roads for local people and a more welcoming and safe place for tourists to visit. The Project will consist of:
- A total of six improvements to the B880 String Road along with improvements to the Blackwaterfoot to Kilpatrick and Shiskine Cemetery.
- Part of this project will also look at how to remove the high levels of timber being produced on the island (1.5 million tonnes by 2035), initially this will take the form of a feasibility study for a dedicated timber loading facility / pier on the island of Arran.
Award: £1m contribution towards the road infrastructure on the Island of Arran.
Co-finance: North Ayrshire Council, Forest Enterprise Scotland.
2. Craik Project
Summary of Project:
This project aims to plan strategically for the timber production being generated in Craik Forest. The project therefore seeks to improve timber haulage from the Craik Forest area (87,000 ha) and minimise the effects to the local communities (some 1,150 people). This will be achieved through a two phase approach as follows:
- Phase 1: to undertake the most important improvements to the B709 (improvements to sight lines, removal of vegetation/scrub, improve existing passing places, add new ones as required, widen and strengthen the poorest sections of the route) which is a major link to the timber processors in SW Scotland. This will be split between the two local authorities Scottish Borders (4.5km) and Dumfries and Galloway (7.5km).
- Phase 2: will improve the in forest road from Gair bridge to Craik village which will become a major route for public and private forestry channelling timber West onto the B709. This will take timber from the D1/3 Craik to Roberton road and the B711.
The scheme will divert over 1.5 million tonnes or 60,000 lorry loads of timber from the local villages over the next 10 years and will link with the newly created STTS funded Eskdalemuir Haul Route that diverts timber traffic from the village of Eskdalemuir
Award: £1.15m
Co-finance: Dumfries & Galloway Council, Scottish Borders Council, Forest Enterprise Scotland, UPM Tilhill, Scottish Woodlands, Kronospan, Land Factor.
3. Tomdoun Link Project
Summary of Project:
The Tomdoun Link Road will facilitate the utilisation of four landlocked forests and provide environmental, economic and community benefits to the residents, businesses and tourists that regularly utilise the C47 road
- The project involves the construction of 3619m of new forest road and the upgrade / re-alignment of 3654m of existing forest road.
- The project will remove 85,000 tonnes or 3400 lorry loads of timber from the bulk of the C47 minor road and direct it via an in-forest route eastwards to the A87.
This project will also benefit visitors and tourist businesses in the local area by diverting heavy traffic from fragile rural roads.
Award: £118,110
Co-finance: Cluanie Estate, UPM Tilhill, The Highland Council.
4. North Kintyre Haul Route
Summary of Project:
The North Kintyre Link Road will facilitate the utilisation of four, effectively landlocked forests by creating an in-forest haul route and a single access point along the A83. This will provide environmental, economic and community benefits for the Claonaig road residents.
- The project will create 1,884m of new in-forest road and upgrade 13,027m. A new single bell mouth will be formed with a tarmac lead in of around 20m on the A83.
- As a result of this project over 226,200 tonnes, or almost 10,000 lorry loads of timber will no longer pass through the village of Clachan.
Award: £250,463
Co-finance: North Crossaig Estate, Gartnagrenach Estate, East Ronachan Estate, Argyll & Bute Council.
5. South Scotland Timber Transport Project Officer (continued Funding)
Summary of Project:
This project will enable the South of Scotland Regional Timber Transport Group to continue their essential strategic activities, these include:
- The Project Officer will assist in the development of new projects, providing liaison and support to all stakeholders through a clear understanding of the STTS application criteria, the aims of the scheme and the strategic direction of the South Scotland RTTG’s.
- The Project Officer will ensure the close relationship that has grown between the Forestry sector and the local councils is maintained in order to help solve timber transport problems that will benefit local committees and the environment.
Award: £23,250
Co-finance: North Ayrshire Council, South Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Council, Scottish Borders Council, Forestry Commission Scotland, South Lanarkshire Council.
6. Stirling & Tayside and Grampian Timber Transport Project Officer (continued funding)
Summary of Project:
This project will enable both the Stirling & Tayside and the Grampian Regional Timber Transport Groups to continue their essential strategic activities, these include:
- As part of this the Project Officer will facilitate STTS schemes working with existing project holders to ensure timeous and satisfactory project completion.
- The Project Officer will assist in the development of new projects, providing liaison and support to all stakeholders through a clear understanding of the STTS application criteria.
- The Project Officer will continue to develop and promote a multi-modal Timber Transport solutions for the respective RTTG areas, using collected timber output information to identify and resolve transport problem areas.
- The Project Officer will update the Agreed Routes Maps and develop protocols for Consultation Routes. Carry out relevant research, investigation and reporting as required.
Award: £32,000
Co-finance: Aberdeenshire Council, Angus Council, Clackmannanshire Council, Moray Council, Forestry Commission Scotland, Perth & Kinross Council, Scottish Woodlands, Stirling Council, TACTRAN.
