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

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Scottish Woodlands

David Robertson on LinkedIn

Today, 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 welcome

03:10 – David Robertson's background and Scottish Woodlands

06:07 – Scotland's forests: native vs commercial forestry

08:58 – Timber production, imports, and future supply challenges

11:15 – Government planting targets and afforestation ambitions

15:01 – Who invests in Scottish forestry?

17:13 – Timber production vs carbon projects