FORESTRY COMMISSION SCOTLAND WELCOMES LAND USE REVIEW

The announcement today that the Scottish Government is to carry out a fundamental review of its rural land resource has been welcomed by Forestry Commission Scotland, the country's largest land manager. Announced by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment Richard Lochhead, the review should inform how Scotland can best use its rural land resource to produce its food, create its energy and support its rural communities. Welcoming the announcement, Dr Bob McIntosh, Director Forestry Commission Scotland said: "The national forest estate covers around an eighth of Scotland's land mass and has an important contribution to make to many areas of Scottish life. "We are currently helping in the global fight to reduce the impacts of climate change and providing a much needed land resource for wind energy projects to help with the Scottish Government's targets. We are also working hard to make forestry work better for rural development and communities across the country. "I welcome this review and look forward to the land-use summit later next year. It will provide an excellent opportunity to debate the role that woodland expansion should play in contributing to the development of the rural economy, environment and communities." Notes to news editors 1. See Scottish Government news release for more information. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/08/29110253 2. Media enquiries to Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6508.

e-mail: steve.williams@forestry.gsi.gov.uk