In 2003, the Cluster Leadership Group decided to establish regional forest industries clusters in order to link the work of the Cluster more directly with issues relevant to the regions and to engage more actively with a broader industry membership across South Scotland, Mid Scotland, Highlands and North East Scotland.  The agreed role of these groups is to:

• work with the national Cluster on issues of relevance and importance regionally;
• develop and implement an action plan on regional cluster issues;
• strengthen and develop regional cluster linkages; and
• broaden and deepen engagement with cluster activities.

During 2004, these regional groups were established, with facilitators appointed to administer the work of each cluster and they now meet on a regular basis.  The respective group chairmen - elected by the members of the regional cluster - have each been invited to join the Cluster Leadership Group to ensure that good communication between the national initiative and the regional activities and that together they reflect the Cluster's overall objectives, while raising awareness of regional issues.

Complementary groups
The role of these regional forest industries clusters differs from the new regional forestry fora set up by Forestry Commission Scotland.  The latter are the expression of the national Scottish Forestry Forum and act in an advisory capacity in relation to the implementation of the Scottish Forestry Strategy.  

Clearly, there is some overlap in the areas of interest of the two groups, however, the work is largely complementary.  The main focus of the regional clusters is to deliver actions to improve business innovation and competitiveness, and to develop new markets for timber.  The main focus for the regional fora is to advise on forestry policy and keep the progress of the Scottish Forestry Strategy under review.