SERIOUS questions over the windblow situation caused by devastating storms need addressing, a leading trade association has said. 

Chiefs at the Forestry Contracting Association (FCA) said damage caused by Storm Arwen was more widespread than first thought and the most significant to UK forests in "many years". 

While at this point there is not enough information to instigate the Scottish Windblow Action Committee (SWAC), Scottish Foresty bosses are due to discuss this in a meeting on Thursday. 

Forestry Journal: Extensive damage was caused to Scotland's forests Extensive damage was caused to Scotland's forests

In a statement, the FCA said: "There are some questions arising over the windblow situation which need addressing.

"The damage sustained at the weekend is more widespread than first thought, with blow across many areas of the UK.

"Storm Arwen caused the most significant damage to forests in many years.

"The question has been asked as to whether wind damage falls under Force Majeur? That depends on the contract, as always our advice is to read contracts before signing them so you really should know the position before these type of events happen.

"Severe wind damage that substantially changes the operation and delivery of the contract will usually be enough to warrant a re-negotiation of terms. It may be enough to close the contract completely but anything fundamental will require negotiation and agreement between the parties involved.

"If you have a site that has blown down, there will be the opportunity to enter into discussions with the other parties quite soon." 

READ MORE: Storm Arwen: Surge in felling applications expected

With the worst of the damage believed to have affected the east, south and central regions of the country, Doug Howieson, head of Operational Delivery at Scottish Forestry, yesterday told Mairi McAllan, minister for Environment and Land Reform, satellite imagery and helicopter surveillance had been requested to provide a more detailed picture. 

Work began on Monday to clean up and assess forests with Forest and Land Scotland staff giving priority to tree work in locations that provide an immediate risk to people or property with the focus then shifting to providing essential access for communities, neighbours and forestry business.