Funding from Scottish Forestry has helped support Aberdeenshire-based Highland Heritage Woodworks (HHW) with its ambitious plans to expand its sustainable, high-quality Scottish timber production.
The funding is a contribution to the costs of a newly installed, state-of-the-art, biomass- powered 60m³ lumber drying kiln, as well as a handheld timber grading machine.
The new equipment is helping the company with a major step forward in its capacity to process, dry, and grade high-quality Scottish softwoods for the local and wider UK market.
HHW is based on the Dunecht Estate and specialises in bespoke carpentry, high-end wooden cabins, and precision-cut Scottish timber.
Over recent years, the company has developed a strong reputation for craftsmanship and for championing the use of home-grown wood from sustainably managed forests across north-east Scotland.
Welcoming the £33,000 grant funding, CEO of Highland Heritage Woodworks, Guy Phillips said:
“The funding for the kiln and grading machine was great news for our business and allowed us to put high-quality value-added products into the local market and beyond.
“We’re delighted with the support from Scottish Forestry as the investment has helped us grow our team, increase our capability, and provide a unique Scottish alternative to imported European timber.”
The new timber grader has allowed the business to structurally grade significant quantities of softwood from locally sourced larch, Douglas fir, spruce and pine. This high quality timber is then being used by local carpenters and construction companies, as well as our own internal team.
By drying and grading its own timber through a new kiln, HHW will reduce reliance on imported materials, strengthen its supply chain, and support more local employment.
The new equipment also gives the company more opportunity to develop new products and markets, adding increased value to locally grown timber.
John Mackie, Scottish Forestry’s Operations Manager for the Grampian region added:
“This project demonstrates how, with some modest funding, local enterprises can create new opportunities in the timber supply chain, strengthen the rural economy, and make the most of Scotland’s outstanding forest resources.
“Supporting businesses of all sizes helps ensure that the economic and environmental benefits of forestry are felt across the country. We are delighted to be helping HHW expand.”
HHW employs a small but highly skilled team which it has grown from three in 2021 to 12 by the end of 2025. The firm has plans to increase that to around 20 over the next 12-18mths as the sawmilling, kilning and bespoke carpentry activities grow.
The company sources timber through partnerships with small north-east estates and independent harvesting contractors, helping to keep value and employment within the local rural economy.
The funding is through Scottish Forestry’s Harvesting & Processing Grant, which is a contribution of around 40% of the total costs of new equipment, to a maximum of £50,000. Scottish Enterprise also provided funding towards Highland Heritage Woodworks and the development of its sawmill.
