FORESTRY and Land Scotland (FLS) has taken the keys to its new glasshouse as part of a redevelopment and modernisation project at Newton Nursery near Elgin.
The glasshouse will be around the size of two football pitches and capable of growing up to 19 million trees per year under its roof. The investment in construction is tipped to enable FLS to more than double its tree production capacity and also includes new offices and a new distribution and operations centre.
FLS’s nursery team will now work to complete the fit-out of the glasshouse along with the other operational buildings. Initial nursery operations will commence this year with the site being fully operational by the end of 2025.
The project – delivered in partnership with principal contractor Morgan Sindall Construction and made possible with financial support from Scottish Government – represents the largest single infrastructure investment ever by FLS.
Cabinet secretary for rural affairs Mairi Gougeon said, “This site handover marks a key milestone in FLS’ drive to become ‘fit for the future’. The modernisation of Newton Nursery – which includes technology to allow for the planting of one million tree seedlings in a single day – will help the organisation improve operational efficiency and flexibility.
“Growing trees from seed inside the glasshouse instead of outdoors in fields, will allow FLS to have much better control over the growing environment, meaning the seedlings are less vulnerable to damage from extreme weather events, herbivore browsing and competition from weeds.”
The nursery will harness the benefits of technology such as mechanised tree planting and other process improvements to reduce manual labour inputs.
Local Scottish timber has been used in construction of the office building, while boreholes will supply water to irrigate the seedlings so there will no new demand on the mains water system. Low energy use technologies have been incorporated into the building design and solar panels will supplement electricity use.
Ian MacDonald, senior operations manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, added, “Thanks to the close collaborative partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland and the entire project team, we’re thrilled to deliver innovative infrastructure that transforms tree production capacity in the area. By working closely with our project stakeholders and supply chain, we’ve leveraged modern methods of construction to create a facility that supports Scotland’s environmental and economic objectives.
“We’re very proud to have engaged local social enterprises and community groups throughout this project too, ensuring our construction approach delivers broader benefits beyond the physical build. The Newton Nursery development showcases Morgan Sindall Construction’s commitment to collaborative, sustainable infrastructure that creates lasting value for both the environment and local communities.”
