FORESTRY COMPANIES are being encouraged to take on new young staff through 'generous' subsidies.

The 'Growing Rural Talent' initiative was highlighted in the recent Forestry Jobs Summit, organised by the Industry Leadership Group and attended by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing and key forestry organisations.

Forestry companies Tilhill, Egger and James Jones and Sons are already providing young recruits with a first step into forestry, and during the summit, a further two companies confirmed their plans to offer opportunities for new starts.

Mr Ewing said: “The forestry sector in Scotland is a success story. It generates around £1 billion to the economy each year and supports around 25,000 jobs. Timber production levels are increasing and in the years to come we will need to have a young skilled workforce in place to meet demand.

“I am pleased that both Scottish Forestry and Forestry and Land Scotland have doubled their intake of opportunities for young people," said Mr Ewing. “This is a great start and I’m very encouraged to hear that two other companies have confirmed their plans to take on young people.”

Chief Executive of forestry and wood trade body Confor, Stuart Goodall, said: “The drive to reach net zero by 2045 means we will need many more low-carbon businesses, and far more young people with a wide range of forestry and wood-using skills who want to be part of this ambitious, exciting journey."

The Growing Rural Talent initiative will provide up to 100% financial support to private sector employers for the first six month period, and then at a rate of 50% for a further six months, dependent on an actual job opportunity. There is also a training budget for each person of £1500 which will help to prepare them to work in a forestry situation. To take advantage of the financial support, companies should register their initial interest with Dumfries and Galloway Council before January 8.