A NEW forestry minister was likely to be announced on Wednesday evening after Mairi McAllan was promoted in Humza Yousaf's Cabinet reshuffle.
Ms McAllan's near two-year spell in the post came to an end earlier in the day when she was made cabinet secretary for net zero and just transition by the first minister, becoming the second youngest person ever appointed to the senior leadership group.
The Clydesdale MSP, 30, replaced Michael Matheson, with the former justice secretary named as the new health secretary, while Mairi Gougeon remained cabinet secretary for rural affairs, land reform and islands.
During her time in the role, Ms McAllan was praised by industry figures for supporting the sector and her commitment to productive forestry. Just last year she led a debate in the Scottish Parliament in which it was hailed for its contribution to Scotland, and she has repeatedly told of its importance to the country as a whole.
Speaking at the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) Conference in Glasgow, she said: "We need to encourage more people to consider a career in forestry. The opportunity for forestry is immense."
However, it hasn't been all plain sailing, with tree-planting rates in the country falling from a 2020 high to 10,480 hectares in the 12 months prior to March 2022. While well below target, these still far outstripped the rest of the UK nations. Complaints have also been made about the need for felling licences to remove windblown trees, especially in the wake of Storm Arwen (albeit this is due to legislation that predates Ms McAllan's time).
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon: Forestry sector 'has thrived' under first minister
Stuart Goodall, chief executive of Confor, urged Ms McAllan to use her forestry experience in her new role to get planting back on track.
He said: “I wish Màiri McAllan well in her new role in the Cabinet. As forestry minister, Ms McAllan was quick to appreciate the important role that tree planting and greater use of home-grown wood can play in helping achieve the Scottish Government’s ambitious 2045 target for net zero.
"While the budget for tree planting has been protected amidst budgetary pressures across government it’s disappointing that levels of planting appear to have, as stated by the Climate Change Committee, plateaued.
"If responsibility for forestry remains under the Net Zero portfolio then hopefully Ms McAllan will be able to lean on her experience and help her successor get planting back on track and unlock the massive investment potential that is reliant on rising levels of productive planting."
Announcing his cabinet appointments earlier on Wednesday, Mr Yousaf said: “The cabinet team I have unveiled reflects the priorities that we will pursue as a government – including tackling child poverty, improving public services and building a fairer, greener economy.
“I have made clear my belief Scotland’s government should look as much as possible like the people we represent. As well as being the first-ever First Minister from a minority ethnic background, I am pleased that a record number of women have agreed to serve, as well as a significant blend of younger and more experienced members. That said, every single appointment has been made on merit.”
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