Former Lochaber GP and Highland councillor Michael Foxley has become the new chairman of Highland and Islands Forestry Forum.
The forum, which advises the Forestry Commission on forestry policy and practice, is made up of 12–15 members, who represent the economic, environmental and social forestry interests across the Highland and islands.
Dr Foxley said: “Forestry in the Highlands and Islands is providing much more benefits than ever before by increasing timber production, by native woodland restoration and by expanding community forestry.
“A key focus for the forum is that these actions continue and that we have a friendly debate about working together and minimising conflicts.
“There are changes, opportunities and undoubtedly challenges ahead and it is important that a range of outside interests have an input into how Forestry Commission Scotland and the private sector conducts its business in Highland and the Islands.”
A former Fort William GP and local Highland councillor for 26 years, Michael Foxley went on to become leader of the Highland Council where he actively promoted the use of local timber.
He has a long interest in forestry and crofting, and was the founding chairman of the Sunart Oakwood Initiative.
