Funding to boost Scotland's forests

The first minister of Scotland has opened a £26 million facility to help grow more trees for Scotland’s forests and woodlands.

Newton Tree Nursery will support Forestry and Land Scotland to almost treble their tree production, from seven million to nearly 20 million trees per year by 2029.

The investment will help support the sustainable management of Scotland’s national forests and land and help tackle the climate emergency, while also supporting the rural economy.

Since seedling operations began at the redeveloped nursery in March 2025, 12 million trees have been established within the glasshouse. Newton Tree Nursery was originally established in 1931.

The new nursery is the UK’s largest and most advanced tree-growing glasshouse.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland’s world-renowned forests and woodlands are a natural powerhouse, and one of the most important resources we have to tackle the climate emergency.

“Our investment in this state-of-the-art glasshouse will not only contribute to environmental sustainability and help to restore habitats, but it will also support rural jobs and the sustainable use of timber in the construction industry. The Newton Tree Nursery project is a national asset, powering Scotland’s green recovery, forestry resilience, and environmental goals for decades to come.  

“Tackling the climate emergency and growing Scotland’s economy are two of my government’s top priorities and together they go hand in hand. We cannot do one without the other and innovative, industry leading facilities like the Newton Tree Nursery will play a vital role in achieving these goals.”

Forestry and Land Scotland CEO Kevin Quinlan said: “Newton Nursery represents a major investment by the Scottish Government in the future of forestry in Scotland. It strengthens Forestry and Land Scotland’s ability to supply young trees at the scale and standard needed to support a resilient, productive and sustainable forest resource. 

“This is especially important for the timber industry – which continues to grow as Scotland looks to reduce reliance on imports and embrace timber as a low-carbon material of the future. By increasing capacity at Newton, we’re investing at the very start of that supply chain – ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality planting stock for years to come.”