Scotland's forests protected says Scottish Government

Proposals in England to sell off national forest land do not stretch to Scotland said Environment & Climate Change Minister, Roseanna Cunningham.

Commenting on the launch of a Westminster consultation document on the future of national forests in England she said:

"Forestry has been devolved for a number of years now and any decisions on the future strategic direction of the Commission's forests in Scotland will be for Scottish Ministers.

"There may be a review in England but it has no remit whatsoever in Scotland.

"I would like to be clear that we have no plans to sell off all of Scotland's national forests. Far from it...the Scottish Government views our forests and woodlands as a national asset which should be protected and treasured.

"I think the majority of the public will have noticed the widespread backlash to the proposals being put forward in England. I'd suggest that this may well be the tip of the iceberg and opposition will grow stronger."