A new report has revealed that Scotland's forestry sector has contributed nearly £1 billion to the economy through forest management, timber processing and recreation - a substantial increase from the previous figure of £670 million.
The forestry sector, including tourism and recreation, is also a major employer, supporting over 25,000 jobs across Scotland - a jump of 6,500 (about 50 per cent) compared to the previous report back in 2008.
Market round-up
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 48 store heifers in Dumfries yesterday to a top of 258.7p per kg and an average of 191.3p (-1.4p on the fortnight), while 49 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 257.1p and levelled at 196.2p (+2.6p). Fifteen store, B&W bullocks sold to 168p and averaged 132.8p (+6p), while 6 store bulls peaked at 239.7p and levelled at 200.4p.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1844 prime lambs at Ayr yesterday to a top of £89 per head and 186.1p per kg to average 154p (no change on the week).
There were also 664 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £93.50 for a pen of Texels and £54.50 for Blackfaces.
Harrison & Hetherington Ltd sold 7 prime heifers in Carlisle yesterday to a top of 184.5p and an average of 167.2p (-20.3p), while 36 prime beef-bred bullocks peaked at 216.5p and levelled at 183.2p (-4.8p). Four prime, dairy-bred bullocks sold to 139.5p and averaged 131.5p (-2.2p). Fifty-three prime, beef-bred bulls sold to 218.5p and averaged 169p (-9.5p), while 55 dairy-bred bulls peaked at 157.5p and levelled at 125.7p (-18.6p).
In the rough ring 84 beef cows averaged 109.5p (+4p) and 248 dairy cows levelled at 78.1p (-5.8p). Five bulls averaged 93.3p (-14.2p).
The firm also sold 2932 prime lambs to a top of £90 and 212.5p to average 157.8p (+2.1p).
The 172 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £78 for Texels and average £56.88, while light ewes peaked at £59 for Hill Cheviots and levelled at £31.24.
Lawrie & Symington Ltd sold 18 prime heifers in Lanark yesterday to a top of 251p and an average of 238.4p (+3.2p). while 9 prime, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 239p and levelled at 214.4p (+2.8p). Seven prime, B&W bullocks sold to 138p and averaged 132.4p (+0.2p).
In the rough ring 16 beef cows averaged 96.5p (-3.1p) and 42 dairy cows levelled at 73.1p (-2.6p).
The firm also sold 2904 prime lambs to a top of £90 and 193.2p to average 158.7p (+2.9p).
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