A special £13m fund to help pay for infrastructure projects to minimise the impact of road transport of logs has been set up by the Scottish Executive.
A Forestry Commission Scotland spokesperson said the three-year funding could help pay for projects such as pier and railhead developments to enable sea and rail transport of logs; in-forest and estate road development to keep timber lorries off fragile public roads; and upgrading of public roads that timber lorries cannot avoid.
The money could also enable higher levels of timber extraction from forests to which access is currently limited by sub-standard roads; lower transport costs from improved routes; and environmental and social benefits.
The executive will also make a further £6m available to further progress in the use of woodland to assist urban regeneration.
