Culloden sees new battle over forestry sell off plans (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

Culloden sees new battle over forestry sell off plans

January 16, 2009 12:01 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Danny Alexander MP and John Farquhar Munro MSP joined forces today at Culloden Wood to launch a Highland fight-back against the SNP's forestry privatisation plans.

Forestry Commission sites across Scotland are at risk as the SNP press ahead with plans to offer 75 year leases to private investment companies. Liberal Democrats fear that this will cost Scottish jobs and cause irrevocable damage to local communities, including those surrounding Culloden.

Commenting Danny Alexander MP said:

"Constituents have approached me to express their deep concern about the SNP's back-door privatisation of our forests.

"Private companies buying 75-year rights to woodland would naturally seek to maximise returns from timber extraction. There is no sign that the consequences for conservation, recreation and tourism have been properly weighed up in these plans. The Government is using 'slash and burn' tactics when some of the Highlands ' most iconic and well-used outdoor attractions are at stake.

"Local people have until 26th January to persuade Ministers that they must abandon these plans. They can do that by backing our campaign - either online at www.scotlibdems.org.uk or by calling my office on 01463 711280 to find out how to take part in the consultation."

John Farquhar Munro MSP added:

"The potential impact on key Forstry Commission sites for public access and for wildlife - from Culloden and Craig Phadraig to Glen Affric and Glenmore - is only half the story.

"The Forestry Commission provides jobs in many parts of the Highlands which are thrown into uncertainty by these plans. The Commission's work with local communities near areas of active timber extraction - supporting the local economy and managing day-to-day disruption for residents and visitors - may well not be carried on by private firms who can't be held to account until their lease comes up for renewal in 2084. A century on from the date George Orwell imagined, we are being offered destructive privatisation, thinly disguised by Ministerial double-speak."

Liam McArthur MSP, Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson, said:

"Selling off Scotland 's family silver will do untold damage to the Highland economy. Forests are a lifeline for many rural businesses, such as sawmills and wood processing companies, and the communities which they support.

"The SNP must ditch this ill-conceived plan which jeopardises jobs, threatens our local economies and puts some of our finest natural assets at risk."

The Save our Forests petition is available online at http://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/saveourforests