The First Minister has today opened a new £26 million facility to help grow more trees for Scotland's forests and woodlands.

The Newton Tree Nursery, near Elgin, will support Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) to almost treble its tree production from 7m to nearly 20m trees per year by 2029.

Described as the UK's largest and most advanced tree-growing glasshouse, the facility will provide a consistent supply of high-quality trees to publicly managed forests, supporting rural economies, improving biodiversity, and sequestering carbon. Seedling operations at the redeveloped nursery began in March 2025, with 12m trees already established.

-- Advertisement --

First Minister John Swinney said the investment would contribute to environmental sustainability, support rural jobs, and aid the sustainable use of timber in the construction industry. He described the Newton Tree Nursery as a "national asset, powering Scotland's green recovery, forestry resilience, and environmental goals for decades to come."

Forestry and Land Scotland CEO Kevin Quinlan said the nursery represents a "major investment by the Scottish Government in the future of forestry in Scotland." He added that by increasing capacity at Newton, FLS is investing at the very start of the supply chain, which is especially important for the growing timber industry as Scotland looks to reduce its reliance on imports.