Forestry and Land Scotland

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) (Scottish Gaelic: Coilltearachd agus Fearann Alba) is responsible for managing and promoting Scotland's national forest estate: land, predominantly covered in forest, owned by the Scottish Government on behalf of the nation. It was formed on 1 April 2019, to take over some of the responsibilities of Forestry Commission Scotland, which was dissolved. The organisation exists alongside Scottish Forestry, also established on 1 April 2019, which is responsible for regulation, policy and support to landowners. Forestry and Land Scotland's key functions are to look after the national forest estate, including unforested land within this portfolio, and to produce and supply timber. Within this remit they are expected to enhance biodiversity, increase public access to the outdoors, encourage tourism and support the rural economy.

Forestry and Land Scotland
Coilltearachd agus Fearann Alba
Agency overview
Formed1 April 2019
Preceding agency
TypeExecutive Agency of the Scottish Government
JurisdictionScotland
HeadquartersGreat Glen House ,Leachkin Road ,Inverness ,IV3 8NW
Minister responsible
Agency executive
  • Simon Hodgson, Chief Executive
WebsiteOfficial website

The agency has been established initially to manage only the national forest estate, however it is intended that in future it may also take over management of other publicly owned land in Scotland. This could include land currently managed by other public bodies such as Crown Estate Scotland and NatureScot; crofting estates and agricultural land owned by the Scottish Government; land owned by local authorities; and land owned by the UK Ministry of Defence.

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