ONE of the men behind the formation of Confor has paid tribute to people within the sector after he was recognised in the New Year Honours. 

James Hepburne Scott was awarded an OBE for services to forestry and the environment. 

A well-known face in the industry for three decades, the chartered forester and former president of the Royal Scottish Forestry Society (RSFS) is also the co-founder of Forest Carbon, which has played a crucial role in the establishment of the Woodland Carbon Code.

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Notably, James was Scotland chair of the Forestry and Timber Association (FTA) when it merged into the Confederation of Forest Industries (Confor). 

“I was very surprised to receive an OBE in the King’s first New Year Honours List,” he said. “I am thrilled, of course, but my immediate thought is about the good people we know in our forestry and environment sector who are equally, if not more, deserving.

"They just work away beneath the radar of recognition. I am sure a lot of people receiving honours feel the same way.” 

Having joined the industry in 1992 as director of Alba Trees nursery, James was also an early influence in the development of the Peatland Code.

One of his proudest achievements came during his reign as RSFS president, a position he held from 2016 to 2019. When the Scottish Government announced plans to absorb the Forestry Commission’s Scotland wing, James led the fight to prevent this. By lobbying MSPs, alongside other rural representatives, a crucial parliamentary poll on the matter was won by a single vote; the FC has since become Forestry and Land Scotland and Scottish Forestry north of the border. 

“The final stage of devolution forestry matters occurred during my term of office as president of the RSFS,” he said. “It fell to me to form and lead what I guess you would call a pressure group of forestry and rural business organisations, lobbying every MSP in the Scottish parliament. The purpose was to ensure that Scottish Forestry should remain a separate agency, not wholly integrated into the Scottish Government. The amendment was passed by one vote. I feel very proud of that.” 

Elsewhere, chairman of the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC), Sir Nicholas Bacon, was appointed a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in the King’s first New Year Honours.