Rural Community Gateway

The Forsinain Sawmill opened for business recently, four miles north of Forsinard in Sutherland. The initiative is owned by the North Sutherland Community Forest Trust (NSCFT) and Billy MacLean has been appointed as sawyer/manager.

NSCFT’s Chair, crofter Sandy Murray said, "I’m delighted that at long last the hard work of our directors and staff has paid off. Without their determination to see the project through we would never have reached this stage. We were all delighted to be able to employ Billy in the sawmill, and he and one of our founding directors, Billy Macintosh from Skerray, have been working hard to set the unit up."

The sawmill will sell fence posts, gate rails and most sizes of sawn timber. Billy will also be able to produce woodchips for heating systems or for spreading on cattle corrals, pony paddocks, logs or firewood. Depending on where you live, he may even be able to offer a delivery service using the Trust’s pickup!

Local product

All the timber used at the sawmill is grown locally and sourced from the Forestry Commission or from trees felled from the surrounding peat bogs under the RSPB’s Peatlands Restoration Project.

The project aims to show that you can supply a local market with good quality product at market value using local resources – not only helping the local economy but helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Charitable intent

Profits made at the sawmill will be put back into the local community to provide opportunities for people to become involved in forestry. NSCFT, with the support of a variety of funders, has provided certified forestry skills training for more than 20 people over the past few years.

The sawmill has been part-funded by the Lottery Fresh Futures programme and Communities Scotland. If you would like more information about timber sales contact Billy MacLean on 07766693630 during normal office hours.

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