Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson Jim Hume has urged Scots who bought real Christmas trees this year to sign the Liberal Democrat petition against the Scottish Government’s plans to lease out swathes of Scotland’s forests.

The Scottish Government is consulting on plans to auction off Scotland’s forests, as part of the Climate Change Bill.

Commenting, Mr Hume said:

“The Forestry Commission estimates that around 6 million real Christmas trees are sold each year, of which they supply 100,000.

“I hope that every Scottish family who bought a real tree enjoyed it this Christmas and I urge them to sign my petition against the Scottish Government’s plans to offer 75 year leases on our forests.

“The Environment Minister’s plot to sell off the family silver jeopardises jobs, tourism and leisure opportunities. It will do untold damage to local economies, particularly in rural areas.

“We must not let this SNP Grinch steal our Christmas trees.”