Would You Like To Be An Island Forester?

7th February 2022

Forestry and Land Scotland is on the lookout for new forester for Arran.

With the current Forester, Andy Walker, due to retire in March 2022, the local FLS team is keen to attract someone who is ready to take on the challenge of looking after its operations on the island.

FLS looks after 7,000ha of forest and 3,000ha of open land. Restocking and planting around 100-110ha per year and harvesting 80k/m3.

Andy Walker, for the FLS team on the island, said;

"This is the ideal job for someone who is ready to manage their own forest. It's about being in charge of every step of the forest cycle, from cultivation, tree establishment, right through to the final stage of tree harvesting.

"But there's also the challenge of looking after the recreation facilities that are vital in such a tourist-orientated destination, and all the conservation work, whether that's habitats, wildlife or even archaeology.

"It’s quite a unique opportunity and as our representative on the island the lucky person who lands the role will be liaising with the community and wide range of people with an even wider range of interests.

“Arran is a great place to live - and an even better place to work."

Known affectional as ‘mini Scotland’, with its lowlands to the south and the mountain ranges in the north, Arran is the place to be for anyone who loves outdoor pursuits.

It is also an ideal place to bring up a family. There is a primary school in each village, an island secondary school and the main ferry terminal at Ardrossan is only an hour away from the Scottish mainland.

Anyone keen on finding out more details or applying for the job can check online - https://forestryandland.gov.scot/jobs/current-opportunities