A Scottish Government consultation document has been attacked by Labour for suggesting that money could be raised through offering commercial leases for some of Scotland's forests.

The consultation suggests that "long leases and cutting rights" could be made available for "some" of the nation's forestry land. It also backs "safeguarding public benefits from the estate".

The suggestion is contained as part of a consultation on the Scottish Climate Change Bill and how this piece of legislation can facilitate climate change mitigation. One key idea is increasing woodland coverage from 10% of Scotland's land area to 25%, securing large amounts of carbon in the process.

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This, however, would require substantial investment, and it is this problem that offering commercial leases is intended to address.

However, Labour has argued this would threaten rural jobs and constitutes "selling off" a key national asset.

Environment spokesperson Sarah Boyack said: "While I support the proposals to enable the Forestry Commission to establish joint ventures to develop forestry's renewable potential, the SNP Government's plans on leasing off at least 25% of our forests must be opposed.

"This is not a minor change, it is a fundamental shift which would see over a quarter of our public forests being managed by big forestry companies. Effectively the SNP would be selling off our family silver and paving the way for large overseas firms to take over.

"I am particularly concerned about the impact on skilled jobs in some of our most fragile rural communities," she added.

The Forestry Commission Trade Unions has said the proposals mark the biggest threat to the industry for a decade. Consultation responses are welcomed until January 29 2009.

(GK)