Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) began planting native trees on steep slopes above Loch Ness, replacing 100-year-old conifers to make the A82 safer and the hillside more resilient to wind and rain.

FLS has established an ash archive – the second in the UK – in Perth & Kinross as part of the Living Ash Project. The 1.5ha archive will grow trees resistant to dieback in a bid to conserve and restore ash trees in Britain.

Members of the RSFS in the stunning treescape at Glen Tanar Estate on Day 1 of the Society’s Annual Study Tour 2025, in Deeside. © Edward Wilson

Mike Thomson of RTS explains Balmoral’s pinewood regeneration area to RSFS members during the Annual Study Tour, while member Eleanor Harris renders the scene in paints.

RSFS members were treated to virtuoso fiddle-playing and entertaining tales from local musician Paul Anderson during their Annual Dinner at Banchory Lodge Hotel.

One RSFS member finds a comfortable perch while listening to an explanation of woodland management at Balmoral during the RSFS Annual Study Tour.

RSFS members learn about the twinflowers being grown in cold frames at Balmoral before being transplanted as part of the threatened plant’s conservation.

RSFS members get a close-up view of the high-tech Aboyne sawmill belonging to James Jones & Sons during the Society’s Annual Study Tour.

RSFS members enjoy a tour of Elsoms Trees in late April 2025 on a Central Region field visit. © Simon Stuart

A group gathered to unveil three new benches at the Glaisters Bridge Community Woodland in May. The site near Corsock is the first time a woodland creation project has included a lease to a local community.

Scottish Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs Mairi Gougeon in parliament on 29 May, announcing the decision not to create a new national park in Galloway. The choice was welcomed by Confor and condemned by some rural campaigners.