Aird and Loch Ness Ward Forum discusses timber extraction and transportation

Communities on South Loch Ness are invited to The Highland Council’s Aird and Loch Ness Ward Forum to discuss timber extraction and the impact on local roads of transporting the felled wood to market. 

The meeting takes place at Stratherrick Hall, Gorthleck on Thursday 22 September, starting at 7 pm. 

Julian Fryer, Forestry Commission Scotland, will make a presentation regarding current and pending harvest arrangements as well as future plans. Mike Stephens, Principal Engineer, The Highland Council TEC Services, will be available to answer questions regarding the Council’s responsibilities in relation to timber extraction and transport. 

While forest management and timber harvesting is an important source of employment in rural areas across Scotland, it also has an impact on local communities and especially road users. 

Scotland’s forests are the most productive in the UK.  They make a significant contribution to Scotland’s economy through jobs in the wood processing industry, forest management, wood haulage and associated industries. 

Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) aims to maximise the economic potential of Scotland’s timber resources. They:-

Forestry Commission and their contractors work closely with the Council to ensure communities are aware of timber operations and to minimise their impact. 

The Ward Forum, which will be chaired by Councillor Margaret Davidson, will also enable people to raise issues of local concern; scrutinise local council service delivery and performance; and promote or encourage all aspects of Community Safety. The Forum will provide an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions about any matter during a 20 minute session at the end of the meeting.