Brian Whittle MSP has been out and about learning more about the forestry industry in South Scotland. The MSP visited the global wood-based materials manufacturer EGGER at its Barony site outside Auchinleck, which manufactures chipboard for use in a wide range of sectors including the furniture industry, interior design and construction.
In addition to making chipboard, its operations in the UK also includes a forestry business; planting, cultivating and eventually harvesting, much of the timber that goes into their products.
During his visit Brian was shown round two sites EGGER is currently operating. At a site near Whitelee windfarm, the MSP saw the harvesting operation up close, even getting the chance to view a harvester as the operator took down trees, stripped their branches and cut the logs to size. From there he travelled on to a site near New Cumnock where the firm has assisted a farmer in cultivating a future crop of trees.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“Forestry is an important part of the economy in South Scotland but it’s one that many people aren’t really conscious of.
It’s remarkable to think how much forestry has changed since the trees we saw being harvested were planted. Modern machinery has transformed the process of harvesting, but the whole process of planting has changed too. The tightly packed blocks of trees we see today are being replaced by more carefully designed forests with more diversity of tree species and open spaces.
Sustainable manufacturing and recycling of materials is becoming more and more important and it’s great to see that EGGER has really embraced these ideas. I’m grateful to the team at EGGER for taking the time to show me around.”
John Paterson, EGGER Forestry Director commented: “I was pleased to introduce Brian to a number of our operations and to give him the opportunity to experience modern forestry up close.”
