What is timber transport?
Every year millions of tonnes of timber cross the country, benefitting the economy and communities who depend on forest products. This timber haulage is an important part of the forestry life cycle, but often relies on using roads that weren’t designed for heavy traffic.
What we’re doing
In line with our Forestry Strategy, we’re committed to supporting timber haulage best practice and taking part in projects which minimise the environmental and social impact of timber miles.
Strategic Timber Transport Fund
The Strategic Timber Transport Fund is available to projects that minimise the impact of timber transportation on Scotland's fragile rural and public roads. Projects to date include:
- the development of forest roads that bypass communities
- the development of boat and rail haulage facilities
- the upgrade of vital public roads
The fund is delivered through 2 schemes:
- The Strategic Timber Transport Scheme gives funding to projects that support sustainable transport of timber in rural areas of Scotland.
- The TimberLINK Service moves timber by sea on the west coast of Scotland, removing nearly one million lorry miles a year from Scottish roads.
Timber Transport Forum
Visit the timber transport forum to share ideas and best practice with regional timber transport groups and the wider forest industry.