Deadline approaching for proposals to cut timber transport impact on rural roads

Local authorities and landowners across Scotland are being encouraged to work up their timber transport applications now before a Scottish Forestry deadline in March.

Winning proposals that minimise the impact of timber lorries on Scotland’s rural communities and road network are set to receive a cash boost from the Strategic Timber Transport Fund (STTF).

Proposals put forward for consideration must be submitted to Scottish Forestry by midday on March 20, 2023.

Environment Minister Màiri McAllan said: “It is vital that we improve and maintain the resilience of timber supply chains in Scotland whilst also ensuring that rural communities face minimal disruption.

“Over the past 16 years, our Strategic Timber Transport Fund has supported 330 projects worth over £109 million that have helped improve infrastructure on minor roads across the country. These improvements ensure that both timber suppliers and local residents and businesses can safely share the rural road network.

“The Fund also looks to support measures that help decarbonise timber transport. This could include the promotion of projects that transport timber by sea or rail, supporting the drive to meet Scotland’s net-zero targets.”

Grant support for TimberLINK will continue through the fund. This service moves timber by sea from forests on the west coast of Scotland, removing nearly one million lorry miles a year from Scottish roads.

The fund also supports the work of one national and five regionally based project officers who engage with local authorities and forestry stakeholders to identify any local timber transport issues, and seek to identify potential solutions.

Local authorities and landowners looking for more details can contact Roland Stiven, Scottish Forestry Forest Sector Development Advisor here.

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