Applications for the Strategic Timber Transport Scheme (STTS).
Scottish Forestry are very pleased to announce the 2025-26 competitive funding round of the Strategic Timber Transport Scheme (STTS) is open and will be accepting applications until midnight on Friday 21st March 2025.
What is the Strategic Timber Transport Scheme?
Scotland harvests around 7 million tonnes of timber annually which is processed in state-of-the-art sawmills and boardmills throughout the country to realise more than £1 billion GVA and create 34,140 jobs. However, most of this timber is transported on old roads in rural areas which have limited load bearing capacity and poor geometry for modern (44 tonne) timber lorries, which can in some cases have negative impacts on residents in close proximity to haulage routes, and other road users including communities and tourists.
Since 2005, the STTS has financed projects that reduce these impacts of timber transport and deliver benefits for local communities and the environment through innovative projects and partnerships. The fund typically contributes 50-70% of the costs of successful applications, with the remainder coming from Local Authorities and/or forestry sector partners. To date, almost four hundred projects have been completed at a total value of £125m with another ten projects still in process for last year.
Is my project eligible for STTS funding?
To check if you're project is eligible for the STTS, please read the updated STTS guidance.
If your proposal needs felling approval, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or is a collaborative haul route, you should read our planning ahead for your STTS application guidance note. Remember, collaboration and partnerships are one of the key criteria so it’s important to give all your project partners the chance to contribute to project development and give the RTTGs time to discuss and provide support for applications.
Preparatory Project Grants
It's also possible to apply for a more limited Preparatory Project Grant (PPG) to help in the development of large or complex projects which would seek STTS funding in the next round of bids. Please note, PPG applications can be submitted at any time subject to funding. you can read our further guidance and application form online.
How do I apply?
Please read the updated STTS guidance and complete the STTS application form.
Please try to keep applications to one comprehensive PDF/Word document. Compress images and maps within the application document to keep the file size down. We will accept electronic signatures or scanned signatures for applications in this round. Agents applying on behalf of forest owners must submit a STTS mandate form. Full guidance is given in the attached forms.
Complete applications should be submitted prior to the deadline by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please feel free to email our Forest Transport and Innovation Advisor for STTS information, application support, and general enquiries relating to the scheme.
Related documents and case studies
Strategic Timber Transport Scheme
Strategic Timber Transport Fund: Annual Report 2024-2025
Strategic Timber Transport Scheme Sign guidance