Hamish Macleod was awarded the 'Dedicated Service to Forestry Award' at the Confor Dinner and Awards ceremony this month, following the announcement of his retirement last year.
Still working part-time for BSW Group, Hamish joined the business as the Director of Public Affairs in 2012. This role saw Hamish represent the company in front of parliamentary committees to promote BSW's position as a low-carbon, solution-orientated business - ensuring that the group leads the way in the timber industry.
Hamish has effectively advocated to politicians and organisations for the social, economic, and environmental benefits of a thriving forestry and timber sector. He has worked to establish positive relationships with stakeholders across the political spectrum in Westminster, Cardiff and Edinburgh to gather support for the whole industry, not only BSW.
Every new political development or policy announcement has been an opportunity that Hamish has harnessed to engage with decision-makers, furthering the interests and image of the sector.
Hamish has represented the company and broader sector in front of parliamentary committees on several occasions, each drawing from his vast expertise and effectively illustrating the industry's challenges. Hamish's pride and passion for the forestry and timber sectors are evident in all his work and continue to motivate him in semi-retirement.
Tony Hackney, CEO of BSW, paid tribute to Hamish's work: "Hamish has tirelessly represented the BSW Group in numerous public, political and governing body arenas, ensuring that the voice of not only of BSW but of the wider timber industry was heard."
With a (BSc) Degree in Technology/Business Studies from the University of Strathclyde, Hamish has a keen eye for innovation and driving manufacturing efficiencies. He began his career in 1978 as a Unilever graduate trainee with Thames Board, now Iggesund. Here he commenced his training in papermaking and hands-on forestry operations.
In 1993, Hamish moved to Howie Forest Products in Dalbeattie, first as General Manager and then as MD, which continued under the acquisition of BSW in 2009. As a member of the Group Operations Board, Hamish has taken a leading role in successful campaigns to demonstrate the benefits of using timber in innovative design as a sustainable product for use in construction when sourced from well-managed, sustainable UK forests.
Hamish served six years as non-exec Forestry Commissioner and Chair as part of the Forestry Commission Scotland National Committee. His passion for British forestry and championing of the sector continued with various roles on boards and committees such as the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Confederation of Forest Industries (Confor), Scottish Forest and Timber Technologies Industry Leadership Group (SFTT), Strategic Integrated Research in Timber (SIRT) Timber Trade Federation (TTF), Wood for Good, UK Forest Products Association (UKFPA) and as President of the UK Softwood Sawmillers Association.
An expert in his field, Hamish is very well known within the industry for his passion, kindness and professionalism, and for those following in his footsteps, he is a role model.
Hamish, who has now retired, continues to support BSW as a part-time Public Affairs Advisor, and we are incredibly grateful for all his tireless efforts.
BSW recently welcomed Member of Scottish Parliament Kate Forbes to their BSW Fort William site, and her visit was crucial to raising awareness about the skills shortage in the timber sector.
Fort William Engineer has been recognised for leading a team of apprentices through Skills Development Scotland's Fuel Change Competition.
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BSW Timber has unveiled its latest new product innovation – a spruce infused chewing gum product ‘Juicy Spruce’.
