29th September 2011, Nevis Range, Torlundy, Fort William
How do we go back up the hill?
The last meeting in Aviemore was extremely well attended and this next event will focus on the key issue around the volume of timber that is ready to be harvested in the next 1 - 5 years but is located in very difficult site. Presentations will include:
· Timber in Austria is currently being harvested in areas which present significant challenges to man and machine - how do they cope.
· What is being done to increase the skills and knowledge capacity of contractors within our own contracting sector.
· Progress update on the BSW development at Kilmallie which will potentially be a significant consumer of this timber.
Like previous meetings we hope to explore and discuss some of these key areas that will help us to drive forward a sustainable forest industry for the future
We will have presentations from the following speakers:
Colin Saunders, Timber Development - Colin took part in the HIFIC study tour to Austria back in June and will provide a presentation on their findings and how these can potentially be applied in Scotland.
Grant MacKintosh, FE - Grant was responsible for the organisation of the study tour and since returning is about to commence some steep ground trials with contractor, Calum Duffy from Mull. Calum also took part in the study tour and as a direct result has purchased new winch equipment. Between them Grant and Calum will give on overview of these trials and the new equipment purchased by Calum.
Casey Keller, Scottish Woodlands Ltd - Casey has recently joined Scottish Woodlands from the USA and will be responsible for all their steep ground harvesting activity. Casey will give us an overview of how they do it in the USA and how he views operations in the H&I's.
Andy Rogers, BSW Ltd - Andy will give us a quick update on the progress with their Kilmallie expansion and the likely impact this will have on timber demand.
We will also show a short DVD that was picked up in the study tour that tells the story of how the Austrians dealt with a sever wind blow back in 2007. There are some interesting and innovative approaches demonstrated.
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 sponsorship for this event has been provided by Hawco Volkswagen and they will have several new vehicles on display at Nevis Range on the day. These will include the new Amarok pickup and Transporter from the commercial side along with the recently revised Tiguan and Touareg models. The vehicles will be on show from 3.00pm but if anyone wishes to pre book a test drive, please do so on the on-line booking form and we will do our best to accommodate you
Details and Booking. Registration and tea/coffee from 4.30pm, meeting commences at 5.30pm. As this event will be held up at the top station we will aim to have everyone on the gondola by 5.15pm (hence the slightly earlier start time). 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 Friday 23rd September 2011.
Directions. Please remember that this meeting will be in the Top Station at Nevis Range. For directions please follow this link: http://www.nevisrange.co.uk/plan_your_trip_how_to_get_here.asp
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 29th September.
Stewart Meikle