A SCOTTISH Government minister has praised the "active role" a sawmill has played in the clear up of recent storms. 

Màiri McAllan hailed Glennon Brothers staff during a recent visit to the firm's Ayrshire premises and told of the importance of the forestry sector's collaborative approach.  

Major players across the industry have worked tirelessly in recent months to clear up the mess left by Arwen, Malik and Corrie, which tore down countless trees with their gale force winds. 

While on the tour, the environment minister also heard about the need to increase the use of timber in construction and how chiefs are doing their bit to reach net zero targets. 

READ MORE: Environment minister Mairi McAllan praises EGGER for 'vital' role in Scotland's net zero mission

“We had a very constructive meeting and the tour of the operations was both fascinating and informative," Ms McAllan, who visited the site before this week's storms, said. “The company has an impressive commitment to Net Zero with a change to electric forklifts and being self-sufficient in heat and power on the site.

“I’m pleased that the company is also taking an active role in the recovery operation after the recent storms.

"It’s important that the forestry sector continues to collaborate and co-ordinate to overcome the challenges of all this extra wood that is now available.”

Glennon Brothers, an Irish timber processing company and one of the larger players in Scotland, with two sawmills in Troon and East Lothian, continues to emphasise the importance of using wood in construction. 

READ MORE: Ministerial visit reveals benefits of modern forestry

“I was particularly impressed to see the use of Scottish timber from their mill being used for timber frame housing," Ms McAllan said. "Glennon Brothers is demonstrating very clearly that Scottish timber is ideal for timber frame construction and they are playing a major part in getting their timber in houses used by mainstream builders.

"Their plans for expansion of this business are very encouraging."