I recently had the good fortune to holiday in one of the Greek islands and what struck me was how lush it was with trees blanketing the entire landscape where there wasn’t a hotel or road.

The entire island was incredibly lush, much more so than Scotland which is a surprise given the disparity in temperatures between the two.

The forests offer much needed shade in Greece and also allow a variety of species an environment where they can thrive.

Here in Scotland it may feel like there are trees everywhere, but the exact opposite is true as it is one of the least forested countries on the planet.

Just drive a small distance outside of the main population centres and you will be met with miles upon miles of bleak nothingness, apart from areas that are farmland.

It comes as tree planting is seen as a key tranche in achieving net zero and with a projected housebuilding timber shortage on the horizon.

But Scotland’s forestry industry is facing a funding black hole of £24 million and national planting targets will not be met now for at least two years.

A massive budget cut has knocked the forestry industry’s confidence, potentially stalling planting projects and leading to trees being destroyed.

Confor, the Confederation of Forest Industries representative body, signalled a wave of concern along the supply chain from tree nurseries to sawmills and wood-panel manufacturers.

Scotland has consistently failed to meet its tree planting targets,........

© Herald Scotland