Scotland gave millions in forestry cash to landowners, including JK Rowling and The King, from 2016 to 2024.
Even Brewdog and the Church of England received funds. A Daily Mail chief and the Duke of Westminster also benefited, along with a past investment arm chair.
While no one is accused of wrongdoing, some argue that the money disproportionately benefits rich landowners. They believe the funds should be more directed towards helping rural areas.
These subsidies contribute to boosting land prices. Carbon credits and tax relief further exacerbate this issue, leading some to doubt the true environmental benefits of forestry projects.
Scottish Forestry defends the subsidies, emphasizing their importance in helping Scotland plant more trees. Their goal is to achieve 21% tree cover by 2032, highlighting that smaller woodlands accounted for half of all applications.
Julia Hands received the most subsidies, totaling £3.8 million. Her husband also owns numerous Scottish forests and resides in a tax haven. Anders Povlsen’s Glenfeshie Limited received £1.5m. Povlsen, a significant landowner in Scotland, uses the funds to support nature recovery and create economic and social options for locals.
Mahdi Al Tajir’s Blackford Farms received £1.3m. The farm, owned in Liechtenstein, a known tax haven, reportedly misused public money last year. The Duke of Buccleuch’s group received £3.1m, stating their contribution to planting trees in Scotland. Kinnaird Estate’s Crawford Gillies received £938,000, and Charles Sinclair received £865,000.
James Jack’s Dornells Estate received £1.3m, despite him breaking rules regarding subsidy use. He also serves as a trustee of the Raehills Trust. The Earl of Annandale and Hartfell is also a partner, and notably, his son is employed by NatureScot. Angus MacDonald, a Scottish MP, received £1.85m.
Lord Donald Cameron received £560,000, while Baron Robbie Douglas Miller received £512,000. Alasdair Locke owns Glenrinnes Farms, which received £238,000. The King’s Balmoral Estate received £403,000. The Duke of Westminster, a man of considerable wealth, received £469,000.
Woodland Invest received £1.59m, from which France’s state bank may profit. Gresham House, an entity with links to tax havens, received £4.6m. Balavil Estate, owned in the British Virgin Islands, received £670,000. Richard Davidson, who works in wealth management, received £1.5m.
Forest owners have the option to sell carbon credits. In line with this, Scottish Woodlands received £1.6m and develops offsetting schemes, though some critics view this practice as “greenwashing.” Brewdog received £1m for their Lost Forest, but half the trees died, and they now find carbon offsetting to be expensive.
J.K. Rowling’s firm received £706,000, though she was accused of blocking paths. Ardnamurchan Estate received £1.1m, but locals claim it has locked its gates. James Jones and Sons received £3.4m, but locals oppose their forest plans, which primarily involve planting Sitka spruce trees.
Most subsidies support conifer trees, with Sitka spruce making up half of Scotland’s forests. Some consider it “invasive,” raising concerns about its potential harm to native species.
Despite concerns, Sitka absorbs carbon quickly, helping Scotland meet its environmental targets. A report suggests prioritizing funding for native trees instead.
Rhoda Grant asserts that subsidies are necessary to “promote sustainable forestry,” emphasizing that land should not be used to avoid tax. A think tank urges a review of the subsidy system, stating that money disproportionately benefits the wealthy, resulting in suffering for local communities.
Dr. Josh Doble expresses concern about forestry corporations and advocates for transparency and community engagement. He emphasizes that wealth needs to stay local. Scottish Forestry maintains that subsidies are crucial, covering only a portion of the costs, and highlight their support for small woodlands as well.