TimberLINK

The aim is to reduce the effects of timber transport on communities and the environment. Specifically, along the A83 and other routes from Argyll to Ayrshire.

Forest cover in Argyll (30%) is almost double that of the Scottish average (18%). The area produces around 15% of Scotland’s timber.

Generally, timber processing and production are located in accessible locations closer to:

• population centres

• markets 

• communication links

But limited local processing capacity in Argyll means that much of its timber leaves the area for processing in central Scotland and Ayrshire.

Meanwhile, Ayrshire has incredible processing capacity but doesn't produce enough to meet demand. So, in contrast, Ayrshire imports timber from Argyll.

As such, there is high demand for timber transport, in an area with complex geography.

This means that road transportation involves a circuitous route of around 190 miles. And this on rural roads that are not ideal for HGV traffic.

Transport across the Firth of Clyde requires a sea journey of just 50 miles.

Coastal shipping of timber via TimberLINK was thus designed as an environmental initiative providing a sustainable alternative to road haulage. This leads to:

• significant reductions in fuel usage and carbon emissions

• reduced traffic congestion on the trunk roads

• reduced associated impacts on air quality, noise and particulates

• a visually attractive route