Today I asked the Cabinet Secretary in chamber if the Scottish Government will provide extra funding to the Scottish Forestry Industry, a vital sector in Dumfries and Galloway. The industry planted 10,000 hectares this year and contributes £1.1 billion a year to the national economy, yet the sector advises that jobs and industry confidence will be lost, and infrastructure for planting will shrink.
Given the potential damage the industry could face in the long term, it is imperative that the Scottish Government intervenes and prevents this vital sector, and major aspect of Dumfries and Galloway's economy, from crumbling.
Hence, I asked if the Scottish Government will provide extra funding, so that Scottish forestry can continue to be a staple in the national economy and benefit the people of Dumfries and Galloway.
