HIFC EVENT - 26^th January 2012, Kingsmills Suite, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Stadium

I'm pleased to our next HIFC event for the autumn/winter programme for 2011/12. The last meeting in Fort William had record breaking attendance, not just for us but for all the regional groups in Soctland. This next event will consider some of the key issues that are likely to have an impact on the sector in 2012. Presentations will include:

• Pests and diseases that are affecting our forests, these appear to be becoming more prevalent and will impact right down through the supply chain and have the potential to seriously disrupt our activities, both harvesting and planting.

• Securing capital investment to purchase new assets does not appear to have got any easier - despite pressure from government to get banks lending again. How is the farming sector coping with this? Is there anything we can learn from them.

• GLA has been a thorn in our sides for some time, there have been some recent revisions and its crucial that the industry knows where it stands with GLA legislation.

To open the meeting, Colin Mann, Chair of Confor and MD of Scottish Woodlands Ltd, will give us his thoughts and aspirations for the industry in 2012. Following on from this we have presentations from:

Hugh Clayden - Hugh will give an update on tree health issues and the practical implications for forestry activity.

Edward Atkins - Edward works for Johnstone and Carmichael, Accountants and specialises in advising/working with their extensive portfolio of agricultural businesses. He will update us on how the farming sector are working to secure capital investment for new machinery etc.

Rob Shaw - Rob has been part of the industry working with the GLA to try and ensure a more appropriate level of legislation with GLA. He will provide us with an update on what the recent changes are.

Remember this is our trade 'voice' for all in forestry in the highlands and is an excellent opportunity to network. Your attendance is appreciated.

I'm also pleased to say that venue sponsorship for this event has been provided by Scot Log Ltd and the bottle of malt for the raffle by Highland Forestry Ltd. We are extremely grateful to the sponsors.

Details and Booking. Registration and tea/coffee from 5.00pm, meeting commences at 5.30pm. The event will conclude at 7.30pm with a buffet and opportunity to network.

To book a place please book on-line at http://www.keycs.com/event/displayEvent.asp?eventid=49 Please complete your booking no later than Monday 23^th January 2012.

Directions. Inverness Caledonian Football Stadium is just before you head over the Kessock Bridge, heading North and there is ample parking. The Kingsmills Suite is on the top floor.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if you require further information. My telephone number is 01463 741836 or you can email me at: stewart.meikle@btinternet.com. We are keen to ensure as many people within the industry have access to the cluster meetings so if you can think of anyone else who you think may find the events of interest please pass on the information or provide me with their contact details and I will add them to our mailing lists.

Look forward to seeing you on the 26^th January and hope you have a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Regards

Stewart