Read the report from our recent Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers (ASHS) study tour for the Sawmillers CoP
Date of visit: 22 – 25 May 2024
Organised and lead by: John Sweeny, Sawmills coordinator, Woodknowledge Wales
“I think this trip has been hugely beneficial in more ways than one, with Woodknowledge Wales and the group participants that attended realising more outcomes than were perhaps anticipated.” Anna Dauksta, Head of Forestry, Woodknowledge Wales
250 years ago Scotland was the most deforested country in the United Kingdom with only 1% of forest cover left, in the last 100 years this figure has increased to approximately 19%. Small-scale sawmillers and other members of the ASHS play a vital part in sustaining a wood culture at a local and national level benefiting not only the landscape but also the people who live in it and the economy.
The purpose of this tour was to look at various ASHS member businesses in Southern and Central Scotland to see how the cooperative aspects of the ASHS organisation can benefit small timber processing businesses in Wales.
“Fantastic to see the processes being practiced at the mills in Scotland, and brilliant to be able to talk directly with the operators and owners about troubleshooting and methods being used. I enjoyed making new contacts with the professionals that came along on the tour and I am looking forward to building my network of people in the industry.” Alex Hall, participant.
“It was really inspiring to meet so many successful timber businesses utilising the hardwood resource in Scotland. These local timber markets and small sawmills are driving the sustainable management of woodlands in Scotland, providing a huge diversity of services and high-quality products like home grown elm for artisan furniture and ash for flooring in timber-frame buildings. A humbling tour by ASHA, thank you!” Jonny Hulson, participant.
Read the full report:
About the businesses visited
A smaller scale sawmill producing both hardwood and softwood air dried and kiln dried timber for exterior and internal uses. Biomass fired kiln and district heating scheme using slabwood. The main saw is a Mebor 1200.
Specialised builder of full scribe and post and beam log homes using Scottish timber.
Specialist producer of charred timber and treated (SIOO:X, fire retardants etc) and stockist of modified timber for exterior uses.
Scottish Wood is a social enterprise hardwood sawmill that specialises in the supply of quality Scottish hardwoods and hard wood products, plus premium softwoods from local, sustainable sources in Scotland to trade and the general public through-out the UK. The main saws are Woodmizer LT70’s
Real Wood Studios is a social enterprise for furniture design, production and supply. In 2020 it became a Community Interest Company (CIC). It is home to some of Scotland’s finest designer-makers producing bespoke furniture and interiors from locally sourced hardwoods. The main saw is a trak-met.
