A new bill has been introduced in Scotland to modernise the country's approach to forestry development, support and regulation.

The £1 billion sector supports around 25,000 jobs and helps soak up about 10 million tonnes of CO2 each year.

The Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Bill will deliver a number of objectives, such as;

• Improved accountability, transparency and policy alignment. Forestry will be fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament.

• A modernised legislative framework to develop, support and regulate the sector in Scotland.

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• More effective use of Scotland's publicly owned land. The National Forest Estate will be managed to deliver economic, environmental and social outcomes and the Scottish Government will be able to offer land management experience and expertise to others.

In addition, the Government will create a new executive agency, Forestry and Land Scotland, along with a dedicated forestry division within government.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: "Scotland's forests and woodlands are among our most valuable rural assets and our ambition is for them to expand and flourish.

"The bill and other changes announced today will enable us to deliver on our bold ambitions."

Carol Evans, Woodland Trust Scotland Director, said: "We welcome the focus which the Scottish Government are placing on the role of woods and trees across Scotland.

"This forestry bill is an opportunity for the official definition of forestry to catch up with fifty years of improved practice on the ground. Modern forestry is no longer just about timber supply, but about sustainable forest management, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, community engagement, and tourism."

(LM)