Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has backed calls to create 5000 rural jobs from the current Ash Dieback crisis, but has also urged the Scottish Government to act fast to protect our historic woodlands.
The chairman of the Broadleaf Trust, a group of woodland owners, is urging the UK Government to allow ash to be milled into timber, claiming large scale felling operations could create up to 5000 jobs.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said:
“Obviously our first priority should be to help save the remaining Ash trees that aren’t infected.
“Expert testimonies have claimed that if the disease becomes airborne then the whole national stock will be under real threat.
“Ultimately the Scottish Government need to act fast. They must develop a clear, coherent plan for landowners to follow.
“Infected trees have been sighted across Scotland, from the Scottish Borders to Blairgowrie within my Perthshire constituency. This is a national issue.
“If we cannot prevent the disease from spreading then the Scottish Government must act and prepare contingency plans. We cannot allow our historic woodlands to be decimated with no positive side effects. The creation of jobs could be one possible corollary benefit. However, preventing the spread of disease must be our first priority.”