Scottish Forestry Investment: Timber Security, Commercial Forestry & the Future of Productive Forests with David Robertson

The ForestLink newsletter sign-upScottish WoodlandsDavid Robertson on LinkedInToday, I'm joined by David Robertson, Director of Investment and Business Development at Scottish Woodlands. In this conversation, David provides an inside look at Scotland's commercial forestry sector, explaining how productive forestry, biodiversity, and climate objectives can work together rather than compete. We discuss Scotland's timber supply, afforestation ambitions, forest investment opportunities, and how the UK remains heavily reliant on imported wood products. David also shares his perspective on balancing timber production with carbon projects, the evolution of modern plantation design, and why productive forests remain critical to long-term climate and economic resilience. We explore the challenges of public perception, community engagement, and the realities of managing forests in Scotland's unique landscape and climate."The best advisors you can get are people who've got muddy boots but clean spreadsheets."00:00 – Introduction and guest welcome03:10 – David Robertson's background and Scottish Woodlands06:07 – Scotland's forests: native vs commercial forestry08:58 – Timber production, imports, and future supply challenges11:15 – Government planting targets and afforestation ambitions15:01 – Who invests in Scottish forestry?17:13 – Timber production vs carbon projects19:14 – Modern forestry: biodiversity and mixed-species planting22:40 – Land ownership, leases, and carbon agreements24:42 – Public access and Scotland's right to roam26:57 – Community concerns and public perception of forestry31:14 – Anti-forestry activism and the challenge of communication32:48 – Why clear-cutting is still necessary in Scotland39:17 – Changing public opinion through engagement40:28 – Continuous cover forestry: opportunities and limitations45:05 – The future of Scottish forestry over the next 20 years48:38 – Advice for new forestry investors50:57 – Where to learn more and closing remarksFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.