FORESTRY past, present and future was cause for celebration at an event held in Balloch recently to mark 100 years since the Forestry Act was published and the establishment of the Forestry Commission (now Forestry and Land Scotland).

Hosted by the Scottish School of Forestry, the family-friendly showcase featured a range of activities including workshops, demonstrations of forest machinery from throughout the years, vintage logging with the Sawdust Fusiliers Living History Group, virtual reality technology from timber processing firm James Jones & Sons, and a demonstration on the use of drones in forestry.
Scottish School of Forestry staff also led guided walks through its site in Culloden Woods, including tree and wildlife identification.

The event was organised in association with the Highlands and Islands Forestry Industry Cluster, with support from the Royal Scottish Forestry Society, the Institute of Chartered Foresters and Lantra Scotland.

Amanda Bryan, head of the Scottish School of Forestry, extended her thanks to everyone who attended: “Approximately 250 people turned out, including local families and those connected with the industry. It was a glorious day, and everyone seemed to have a great time, with lots of positive feedback.

“The showcase was an opportunity to bring the sector together to discuss the past, present and future of the forestry industry, and it would not have been possible without the support of Lantra Scotland, the Institute of Chartered Foresters, the Royal Scottish Forestry Society, Forestry and Land Scotland, Scottish Forestry, Community Woodlands Association, Forest Memories, the Sawdust Fusiliers, James Jones, Tilhill Forestry, Cawdor Forestry, Christie Elite and many individuals who gave of their own time.”