Forestry contributes more than £1 billion to Scottish economy

The value of forestry to the Scottish economy has increased to £1 billion for the first time, according to a report out by the Forestry Commission Scotland.

Record harvests have boosted production of wood and saw mills in our region are now investing millions of pounds.

It's thought around 40 percent of the Scottish timber industry - whether its logging or timber production - is based in the South of Scotland.

The Forestry Commission Scotland says that the number of people directly employed in forestry in Scotland increased from around 13,500 to more than 19,500 during the period 2008-2013/4.

With tourism and deer/game-related forestry added, the job numbers go well past 25,000.

Jobs that are often in areas where unemployment is scare - especially in many rural areas.

The Forestry Commission says that the work of the sector is also vital in enabling other key Scottish industries grow, such as in the energy, construction, tourism and potentially biotechnology.

Environment Minister Dr Aileen McLeod officially launched the new Forestry Commission Scotland report - the first since 2008.