A SENIOR MSP has hailed Scotland's forestry industry for its "collaborative approach" in clearing up the damage left by Storm Arwen.
Environment Minister Màiri McAllan praised the "major players", including Scottish Forestry and Confor, for coming together to remove windblown timber and trees from the country's footpaths, woodlands, and forests.
Working groups - including one with bodies in the north of England - have been set up and teams have been working around the clock to deal with the aftermath of late November's 100 mph winds.
READ MORE: Storm Arwen: New working group will help small woodland owners clear up
Speaking after attending the latest meeting of a new group, Ms McAllan said: “Storm Arwen might have happened last year but its effects will be felt by many for some time to come.
“I am impressed how the major players in the forestry sector are working together in such a collaborative way.
"This co-ordination of action is needed and I would like to thank the industry for their pragmatic way of dealing with the storm’s aftermath."
As we have told previously, a new mapping tool, developed by Forest Research and Scottish Forestry, is being used for the first time, which allows woodland managers to get an initial understanding of where the damage has occurred, without the immediate need for extensive and potentially risky site visits.
READ MORE: Storm Arwen: FLS ramps up tree planting programme
Most of the trees that have been flattened will be removed over the next year and sent to wood processors across Scotland. In time, the forests will be replanted.
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