TIMBER transport projects that minimise the impact on Scotland's rural communities or help reach 'net-zero goals' will receive a cash boost.
Scottish Forestry bosses have today reminded local authorities and landowners of the incentive, which will go to proposals pledging to improve drainage systems or upgrade surfaces on minor B, C class and Unclassified roads.
With the money coming from the Strategic Timber Transport Fund (STTF), the cash will also be given to projects that introduce traffic calming measures or provide passing places, and will look to support plans that help decarbonise timber transport.
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This could include the promotion of moves to transport timber by sea or rail.
Ahead of the March 21 deadline for applications, Environment Minister Màiri McAllan said: “Over the past 15 years, nearly £60 million has helped to deliver 292 timber transport projects through the Strategic Timber Transport Fund.
“We will be able to fund next year’s budget and subject to Parliamentary approval, intend to allocate £7 million towards the fund."
The STTF is part funded by Transport Scotland and managed by Scottish Forestry.
Much of the STTF goes towards work on minor B, C class and Unclassified roads. This might include improving drainage systems, strengthening or upgrading surfaces, widening corners, adding traffic calming measures or by providing passing places – making it easier for local residents and business to share the rural road network.
Grant funding will continue through the fund for TimberLINK. This service enables timber to be moved by sea on the west coast of Scotland, removing nearly one million lorry miles a year from Scottish roads.
The fund also supports the work of one national and five regionally-based project officers who engage with local authorities and forestry stakeholders to identify any local timber transport issues, and seek to identify potential solutions.
Ms McAllan added: “We need to ensure that the right infrastructure is in place so that timber supplies can reach their markets. But we need to do this in a way that minimises disruption to rural communities and supports Scotland’s ambitions to reach net-zero.
“I would encourage landowners and local authorities to work on their proposals now, so that they can be submitted in good time. This will also help Scottish Forestry award the grants as soon as possible.”
Local authorities and landowners wishing for more details can contact Roland Stiven, Scottish Forestry Business Support Advisor by emailing: Roland.Stiven@forestry.gov.scot.
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