The Scottish Government has announced its financial spending and tax proposals for the year ahead – including a welcome boost to forestry.

Last year’s £32 million budget cut to the woodland creation purse was described as a “body blow” for the industry.

With the country’s finances under increasing pressure, it was feared the first Budget under new First Minister John Swinney, delivered today by finance secretary Shona Robison, would offer more of the same.

By contrast, an announced increase in forestry spending for 2025/26 has been greeted with relief.

(Image: Newsquest)

The overall new draft budget for Scottish Forestry has been revealed as £83.1 m for the year ahead, an 18.5% increase in overall budget for Scottish Forestry.

Of this, £53m has been allocated to the Forestry Grant Scheme in total, a 17% increase from the £45.3 million in 24/25.

£46.9 million is to be allocated for woodland creation, a 20% increase from the budget of £39.2 million from 24/25, and is expected to support over 11,000 ha of new woodland.

A Scottish Forestry spokesperson said: “Today’s budget announcement is a welcome step forward for Scottish Forestry and the forestry sector.

“In an extremely tough public spending round, the Scottish Government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the forestry sector with increases in budget against 2024-25, including a 20% boost for spending on woodland creation activity.

 “The extra funding will allow Scottish Forestry to support more woodland creation, delivering for commercial forestry, Net Zero, biodiversity, communities and the economy.”

Forestry Journal will have more reaction soon.