The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Growth continues as forestry company turns 50
One of Scotland’s leading forestry companies has marked its 50th birthday by publishing an anniversary book, planting a celebration woodland and increasing its profits by 20 per cent.
The Wood and the Trees: A History of Scottish Woodlands Ltd and its People tells the story of the company, which is unique in the sector as it is 80 per cent owned by its employees.
The book recounts the drama of two management buy-outs, in 1986 and 2005, and landmark moments such as the ‘great windblow’ of 1968 and Nigel Lawson’s 1988 Budget which made major changes to forestry’s tax position and led to a slump in tree planting.
“It is striking how our own history has mirrored that of forestry in Scotland,” said Ralland Browne, Managing Director of Scottish Woodlands Ltd. “We became a commercial company in 1967, the year of the last Forestry Act - and as we turn 50, a new Forestry Bill is coming before the Scottish Parliament.
“There have been ups and downs along the way, but the company and the wider forestry and wood-processing industry are both in good health in 2017 - and we are optimistic for the future, with a strong focus on driving up tree planting rates.”
Scottish Woodlands’ annual results for the year to 30 September 2016 showed turnover up almost £1 million to £70.358m, with profits rising from £1.315m to £1.575m, an increase of 19.77 per cent.
Scottish Woodlands Chairman Tom R Bruce-Jones, also joint Managing Director of sawmiller James Jones & Sons Ltd, a 20 per cent shareholder in Scottish Woodlands, said: “The Brexit vote and US election result have created uncertain macro conditions which could impact for a long period of time. The strengthening of the Euro after Brexit has, however, made domestic processors more competitive.
“Politically [in Scotland], there appears to be a focus on new planting and restocking and it is hoped this impetus will continue as well as providing the platform for stronger investor confidence in forestry.”
To mark the 50th anniversary, Ralland Browne helped to plant a celebration woodland of 50 new trees at Crieff Hydro, with Resort Operations Director Russell Crighton. “I have been planting trees at Crieff Hydro for almost 30 years - and won a forestry award for my work there back in 1991,” said Mr Browne. “The company’s relationship with Crieff Hydro goes back well beyond then, and I estimate that we have planted at least quarter of a million trees here.
“Crieff Hydro has been a great client and it was the natural place to plant the 50th birthday celebration woodland - and to host our AGM [on Friday 24th February], where we gave a copy of our anniversary book to all our staff.”
Mr Browne added: “The book ends by saying that forestry is an industry where it is not always crucial to be fast-moving – and that continuity, loyalty and excellence are important in keeping the confidence of clients, and Scottish Woodlands Ltd has achieved that rather well.
“That’s why it was right to come to Crieff Hydro to mark our 50th birthday with people who really matter to us – one of our long-term clients and our staff. Our people make the company and we have tried to reflect that very strongly in the book.”
Scottish Woodlands Ltd has more than 140 staff, with around half of them owning shares. The company is headquartered in Riccarton, Edinburgh, but has offices across Scotland as well as in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
For more information, please contact David Lee, David Lee Media & Events, on 07802 206695 or david@davidleemedia.co.uk