Jim Hume urges united front against SNP forestry sell-off plans

10.19.15am GMT Fri 12th Dec 2008

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland and Environment spokesperson, is calling for MSPs to unite and oppose the Scottish Government's plans to sell off Scotland's family silver by leasing out swathes of Scotland's forests.

Mr Hume has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament outlining the difficulties that this proposal will cause to local economies, tourism and leisure opportunities and probable job losses that will follow.Jim Hume MSP

Jim Hume said: "The Scottish Government's plans to sell off the family silver by offering 75 year lease options on our forests jeopardises rural economies, tourism and leisure opportunities and puts many jobs at risk.

"This is a golden opportunity for MSPs to prevent disaster for our forests by uniting around my motion, which sets out my opposition to this cavalier proposal."