ONE of the UK’s leading forestry businesses has confirmed the appointment of a new managing director and three members onto its board. 

Ian Robinson takes the helm at Scottish Woodlands, replacing Ralland Browne after he retired last week following a seven-year stint in the post. 

Meanwhile, Charles Bushby, Neil Crookston and Michael Hall join its board. Dessy Henry will step up to forestry director in Ian's place, having previously served as operational director. 

Ian, who has worked with Scottish Woodlands for 35 years, said: “The new board would like to thank Ralland for his consistent and hard-working service over many years. We all wish him a well-earned retirement.”

He added: “It is a real honour to take the reins at Scottish Woodlands at such an important time in the development of our business and indeed the forestry and wood industry.

"We have an extraordinarily talented team of staff working across the UK, helping our clients manage their woodlands and forestry projects to achieve significant outcomes for new woodland planting, timber harvesting and the delivery of infrastructure projects.”

The three new directors will join the board from April 1. Neil Crookston will become director - north region; Charles Bushby will be director - central region; and Michael Hall is the new director - south east Scotland, England and Wales.

Forestry Journal: Ralland Browne retired last week Ralland Browne retired last week

Ian added: “There has never been a more interesting or crucial time to be in this industry to help meet Net Zero and biodiversity commitments.

"With timber playing such an important role in storing carbon in the built environment and substituting more carbon-intensive building materials like concrete and steel, it is vital that we continue to play our part in growing the UK forestry resource.”

Scottish Woodlands is 80 per cent owned by its employees and has 230 staff working across 19 offices in Scotland as well as northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland.