New, specialist computer equipment is helping a Lochalsh-based landscape architect expand his business and remain at the forefront of forest design.

Alex Glasgow from Plockton has purchased the hi-tech computer system which will allow him to prepare computer generated forest design plans and digital illustrations. Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE), part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Network, is helping with the expansion of the business by awarding Alex Glasgow Forest Design a development grant worth £2,000 towards the cost of the new system.

Since Alex Glasgow Forest Design was set up in 1993, the business has developed excellent relations with forest management companies throughout the Highlands and Mr Glasgow also carries out contract work for his former employers, the Forestry Commission. He has prepared forest plans throughout the north of Scotland and as far south as Kintyre in Argyll, most of which are for the planting of native Scots pine and birch woodlands.

The Forestry Commission recently introduced the Plan Preparation Grant (PPG) for the preparation of long term restructuring plans in commercial conifer forests. Explaining the benefits of these plans, Mr Glasgow said: "The majority of commercial conifer plantations in Scotland are at, or approaching their felling age. Long Term Forest Design Plans (FDPs) aim to spread the age structure of these forests by early delayed felling so that by the end of their second rotation they achieve a continuous supply of timber.

"These economic considerations are balanced in the plan against other important objectives. These include improving the landscape quality of the forests through the removal of unnatural rigid shapes and increasing conservation value and species diversity. Generally the aim over the 20 to 30 year period of the plan is to create balanced and diverse multipurpose forests.

"Design plans are usually prepared by hand but these FDPs are more suited to preparation on computers, which can generate digital terrain models of the future forest landscape. These accurately demonstrate the phased felling proposals and the new forest shapes and species mixes at restocking."

The introduction of this new grant has resulted in a sudden increase in demand for Mr Glasgow's services and this increase has created a part-time job within the company.

Mr Glasgow said: "It is very satisfying to be involved in this kind of work, knowing you are doing something of long term benefit to the Scottish landscape and wildlife. The SALE grant has allowed me to respond to the introduction of the PPG and demand for plans. It has also generated employment in the village with further expansion potential into the future."

Business development manager at SALE, Graham Campbell said: "Growing businesses is a priority for the Network and Alex Glasgow Forest Design is a company with good growth potential. The purchase of specialist computer equipment is crucial for the development of the business. It is important that businesses seek to invest in upgrading their equipment to ensure they remain competitive".