IT is still too early to say if the damage caused by Storm Arwen was severe enough to instigate the Scottish Windblow Action Committee (SWAC), Scottish Forestry chief have confirmed.
Authorities say they are still to obtain satellite images and hope to have a fuller picture of the full extent of the devastation by next week. Winds up to 100 mph tore down trees across the country, with Grampian and Scottish Borders among the areas worst affected.
Scottish Forestry chiefs met with industry figures on Thursday to discuss the situation and Mairi McAllan, minister for Environment and Land Reform, has previously been briefed "whole or multiple compartments of trees" may have blown over.
READ MORE: Storm Arwen: Surge in felling applications expected
However, despite the Forestry Contracting Association (FCA) saying "serious questions remain over the windblow situation", the SWAC won't be instigated this week.
A Scottish Forestry spokesperson said: “At the moment we are still assessing the extent of the damage but early indications are that the east side of the country has been impacted most by Storm Arwen.
"Other areas of Scotland have also been hit with reports coming in from Dumfries and Galloway, Perth and Argyll. At the moment we think the Grampian and Scottish Borders are mostly affected.
“It’s too early to say if the extent of blown timber is sufficient to trigger the Scottish Windblow Action Committee.
"We are in the process of obtaining satellite images and hope to get aerial surveys undertaken next week. This information will give us a more accurate picture of the full extent of the damage."
A catastrophic windblow last occured in Scotland in January 1968 but, according to the plan, winds of speeds exceeding 90 mph are likely to see a SWAC called.
The spokesperson added: “We are working closely with the industry and other key stakeholders as the picture across the country develops. At the moment Scottish Forestry is deploying its staff resources to help with the most affected areas and offering advice to woodland owners.
READ MORE: Storm Arwen: 'Serious questions' over windblow situation after devastating wind
"We are fast tracking felling permissions, which are still needed for windblown trees, to help keep things moving to ease the burden for those woodland managers coping with the aftermath of the storm.
“On a wider message, both FLS and Scottish Forestry is actively advising the public to stay well clear of affected forests until they are made safe.”
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