Hume leads protests against SNP plan to sell off Scotland’s forests
December 8, 2008 11:42 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson Jim Hume MSP led a delegation protesting against Government plans to sell off vast swathes of Scotland's forests to a meeting with the Environment Minister.
Mr Hume, accompanied by Forestry Commission union representatives and other stakeholders, raised their concerns about probable job losses and irreparable damage to local economies should the plans to offer 75 year leases on Scotland's forests go ahead.
Commenting after the meeting, Mr Hume said:
"Scotland's forests are not just areas of natural beauty, but hubs for rural and tourist enterprise. The Scottish Government's plans to sell off the family silver by offering 75 year lease options on our forests jeopardise this.
"Many people's livelihoods depend on the forest. Leisure centres and timber firms based in many of the forests employ mechanics, administrative staff, café employees, cleaners and drivers. Unsurprisingly, Forestry Commission workers and contractors are also genuinely worried about losing their jobs. Large scale redundancies from the Forestry Commission would mean losing expertise and knowledge accumulated over many generations.
"The Minister failed to reassure me about his plans. I will continue my vigorous opposition to this proposal that jeopardises jobs, local economies and some of our finest natural assets."
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