The foresters

the long version

"This is the story of forestry and foresters in Scotland. It is a tale of loss and recovery, of generations of men and women dedicated to their occupation in often difficult and uncomfortable - even dangerous - circumstances." "For thousands of years Scotland was a densely forested land, but by the eighteenth century woodland cover had become drastically reduced through deforestation and over-exploitation. Private landowners maintained some forest but it was not until the founding of the Forestry Commission in 1919 that state-run forestry began to have greater impact on the landscape and helped to shape the countryside as we now know it. Based on interviews and extensive research, James Miller uncovers the rich history of the foresters and examines, in both social and economic contexts, the importance of forests to Scotland. Illuminating and compelling, The Foresters is a thoughtful and engaging story with many strands that casts a captivating light on this long-neglected industry and the complex and inspirational individuals who have lived their lives through it."--Jacket.