Forestry law backlash 'can save city jobs'

RESISTANCE to privatisation of English forests could help save jobs in Edinburgh, according to Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham.

Lothians Labour MSP George Foulkes told the Scottish Parliament that a new law at Westminster, paving the way for the sell-off of forest land south of the Border, threatened jobs at the UK Forestry Commission headquarters in Corstorphine.

Ms Cunningham said it was "a matter of some regret" that the biggest threat hung over jobs in Scotland.

She added: "In my view, however, the initial enthusiasm of the UK minister is perhaps beginning to be somewhat moderated as he realises just how difficult a process he has set in play and how hard it is going to be to do what he thinks he wants to do."