TTUK
Industry News
Confor urges next Scottish Government to back homegrown timber Confor has launched a new manifesto ahead of the 2026 Scottish
would help tackle immediate pressures in housing, climate and the cost
Parliament elections, calling on the next Scottish Government to
of living, while also supporting growth in rural areas.
place forestry and homegrown timber at the centre of its economic,
However, the organisation warns that progress is at risk unless
housing and climate strategy.
planting rates recover. New woodland creation fell back to around 8,500 hectares in 2024-25, after peaking at 15,000 hectares the previous year.
Released in December and targeted at all political parties
Confor is urging the next government to restore confidence and get
contesting the Holyrood elections in May 2026, the manifesto is built around a clear message – “Timber
planting back on track, with a target
is the Future” – and sets out five
of 18,000 hectares per year by the end
priority actions for the forestry
of the decade, in line with Scotland’s
and wood industry. These include
Climate Change Plan.
creating a homegrown timber industrial strategy for Scotland, meeting tree-planting targets, increasing the use of Scottish timber in construction, developing a new
Timber is the future Build more homes
Meet climate targets
Grow the economy
SCOTTISH ELECTION MANIFESTO 2026
A central plank of the manifesto is a call for a dedicated Scottish timber industrial strategy, similar to those already adopted by the UK and Welsh governments. Confor argues
long-term forestry strategy, and
that such a framework would provide
delivering a dedicated skills plan for
clarity for long-term investment in
the sector.
planting, harvesting, processing and manufacturing, while supporting
Introducing the document, Confor chief executive Stuart
innovation and new timber-based
Goodall said the industry is uniquely
products. The document also highlights the
placed to help address multiple national priorities at the same time.
opportunity within housing. While
“Building more and better
more than 90% of new homes in
homes, delivering economic growth
Scotland already use timber frame
and new jobs, and tackling climate
construction, much of the timber is
change, are three of the biggest
imported. Confor is calling for specific
political priorities for the next
targets to increase the proportion of
Scottish Government,” he said.
homegrown timber used in buildings,
“These priorities are often viewed
and for timber to be specified as a
as trade-offs, but Scotland’s forestry
material of first choice in new public
and timber industry can deliver all
sector projects. Concluding, Goodall said the
three at the same time.”
sector was ready to work with policymakers across the political
Confor points to the scale of the sector’s existing contribution, with official figures showing that Scotland’s forestry and wood
spectrum. “Our forestry and wood industry is a modern-day success
industry supports around 34,000 jobs and delivers £1.1 billion in annual
story,” he said. “By building on that success, we really can deliver on a
economic benefit. The manifesto argues that building on this base
range of economic and environmental priorities at the same time.”
Timber Trader UK
Spring 2026
07
www.timbermedia.co.uk
@Timber_Media