Liberal Democrat MP, Liberal Democrat MSP & Liberal Democrat candidate tour Boat of Garten
December 11, 2006
Caption left to right: Craig Harrow Lib Dem Candidate, Scott Shiells BSW Timber, Ronnie Grant BSW Timber, Ross Finnie MSP, Danny Alexander MP
On Friday (December 8 2006) the Minister for the Environment and Rural Development Ross Finnie MSP, Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey MP Danny
Alexander and Liberal Democrat candidate for Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber Craig Harrow visited BSW Timber’s Boat of Garten sawmill.
The trio met the local team, toured the site and discussed the company’s recent investment in the sawmill.
They also backed BSW’s role in the “Wood for Gold” campaign, which wants to see wood from the Highlands used in construction projects for the London Olympics.
BSW’s Boat of Garten sawmill, part of BSW Timber, the UK’s largest sawmilling business, has invested more than £1.3 million in the site in the last 2 years, including:
*£500,000 in a new debarking machine and state-of-the-art log scanning technology allowing for greater efficiencies.
*£350,000 investment in health and safety and infrastructure improvements - including machine distance guarding and a new system of pedestrian walkways
* £400,000 in improving on site mobility including new sideloading fleet and loading equipment.
BSW is now developing plans for further phased investment in their Boat of Garten mill. The plans, which are in their early stage of development would include further investment in site infrastructure, primary processing and added value secondary processing and treatment.
Scott Shiells, BSW Timber Group Operations Manager, said: “BSW Timber has had an established presence in the Scottish Highlands for more than 40 years. Investment means the Boat of Garten sawmill will continue to play a key role in the expansion of BSW’s business across the UK and provide our customers with an improved all-round service.
“BSW Timber is experiencing an increased demand for high quality timber. Future investment will be part of our programme of continuous improvement in all aspects of the operation, site and operational efficiency, help development of new market opportunities and customer service. This will be in conjunction with staff training and development.”
Mr Finnie welcomed BSW Timber’s commitment to the Boat of Garten sawmill: “BSW Timber’s continuing investment is a vote of confidence in the Highland economy and good news for the region.
“The investment means better quality employment and training opportunities for local people and I am confident that the improved site infrastructure and more efficient and sustainable working environment will produce a better quality end product.”
Mr Alexander hoped that the Minister would make a strong case to the UK Government for local timber to be used at the 2012 Olympics: “BSW Timber has been a key player in the Highlands for a long time and has cemented strong relationships with the local supply chain. I hope their first class facilities and expertise can put the Highlands at the heart of the Olympic Games in 2012. The planned expansion at Boat of Garten will help achieve that, as well as benefiting the Highlands, the wider Scottish economy and the timber industry.”
Mr Harrow said: “BSW Timber is a prime example of a company which is dedicated to providing excellent opportunities and jobs for the Highlands.
“The potential economic value of work associated with the Olympics is enormous, and it is important given the scale of public investment that the benefits are spread across the whole UK. Making use of local wood will not onl y boost the Highlands, but help to make the Games more environmentally friendly, and a better showcase for the best of British produce and craftsmanship.
“I hope BSW will be centrally involved.”