The contract supports the introduction of a third shift at Alexanders Timber Design generating 25 new jobs at the Troon site they share with sister business, Glennon Brothers. It also secures the future of two local forestry contracting firms.

The new contract grants Glennon Brothers permission to fell diseased larch trees and spruce on FLS land near Cowal, Argyll and Bute.

The timber is then hauled by local timber haulage companies to Sandbank Pier and shipped to the Glennon Brothers sawmill in Troon, before being processed into a range of fencing and construction products.

Stress-graded timber is then processed by Alexanders Timber Design, for use in timber frame house kits for the UK’s affordable housing market.

Alex Murray, forestry manager at Glennon Brothers, commented: “We are thrilled to be awarded the new FLS contract to fell larch and spruce trees in Cowal, creating new jobs and securing others for local people. The contract is a welcome addition to Scotland’s expanding forestry industry, and ensures that timber grown and processed here in Scotland is used around the UK to support key critical sectors like the housing market.”

The contract also secures the future of two Argyll-based forestry contracting firms, AMAC Harvesting Ltd and Gary Anderson Forestry who fell the trees from the FLS site. Gary Anderson employs a local team from Dunoon, specialising in steep ground harvesting. He commented: “This new contract appointment is incredibly important for our business. The appointment safeguards our future, sustains our income and has made it possible for us all to continue living and working within our community in Argyll.”

Mick Bottomley, head of marketing and sales at Forestry and Land Scotland, added: “We understand the importance of investing in Scotland’s rural communities. By keeping the timber processing local, we can safeguard local jobs and enhance sustainability.

“We have enjoyed a close working relationship with Glennon Brothers and Alexanders Timber Design for many years, and we look forward to extending our partnership to ensure ‘home grown’ timber supplies are delivered for the UK housing market.”