Guy Watt and Stuart Goodall
One of the most respected figures in the modern forestry industry has won Confor’s prestigious annual award for Dedicated Service to Forestry for 2019. Guy Watt, Managing Director of John Clegg Consulting Ltd, has vast experience across the sector and his contribution was described as “unparalleled”. Source: Timberbiz
He was presented with the award at Confor’s annual dinner by Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy in the UK.
“Guy has huge experience and is highly respected across the forestry and timber sector – and has made a unique contribution. His background in analysis and statistical reports is unparalleled,” Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of Confor, said.
“The sheer number and range of trusteeships and appointments he has held is testament to the high regard he is held in by so many in the private and public sectors.
“Guy is the ‘go to’ person for analyses of future wood supply and availability and is currently working on a keenly awaited update for Confor. His position in the sector is unique, his contribution immense.”
Guy Watt said the honour was totally unexpected.
“I’d like to thank al those people I have worked with – it has been an absolute pleasure,” he said. “One of the great things about this industry is that the people are so nice. Even when companies have faced difficult times, they pull together and get through.”
Mr Watt studied forestry at Aberdeen and worked in the South Pacific for two years and for four years at the Forest Research Institute, New Zealand.
In the UK, he was forest economist for EFG for 10 years, followed by 13 years with John Clegg & Co. where he was a partner before starting John Clegg Consulting Ltd. in 2003.
He is also a partner in Timber Auctions, a Trustee of Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Foresters and a Member of the Institute of Economic Development.
He has been Chairman of the Scottish Forestry Trust and Scottish Hardwood Timber Marketing Group, as well as Vice Chair of the Central Scotland Forest Trust.
