Real Wood Studios was set up by six individuals from Woodschool in March 2009 following an in depth financial review of Woodschool and its operations by its parent Borders Forest Trust. We would like to thank Borders Forest Trust for giving us the opportunity to acquire a majority shareholding in Woodschool Ltd. We would also like to acknowledge the work done by Eoin Cox and others who have contributed to the success of Woodschool over the last ten years.

Below is the official statement from Borders Forest Trust on the Review process.

Borders Forest Trust has announced that Real Wood Studios Ltd., a cooperative of wood workers, will become a new majority shareholder in Woodschool Ltd, the Trust’s trading subsidiary.

Real Wood Studios Ltd. is a new venture initiated by six individuals from within Woodschool Ltd., whose vision for the business is closely aligned to the original ethos of BFT when Woodschool was set up in 1996.

Woodschool Ltd has been under review in the light of prevailing economic conditions, and restructuring will ensure that Scottish native timber usage and furniture making continues to be a viable economic part of the Trust’s activities.

The restructuring process has also resulted in a decision to close the buyDesign gallery at Harestanes at the end of December and to cease production of the Woodschool brand at the same time.

The timber sales and timber processing component of Woodschool will continue to operate from Monteviot Nurseries.

The Director of BFT also acknowledged the debt that Borders Forest Trust and Woodschool owed to the Woodschool manager, Eoin Cox, MBE for his drive, dedication and commitment. Unfortunately under the new structure of Woodschool there will not be a role for a Project Manager and Eoin has now left the business.

The Trust is confident that this retrenchment in Woodschool Ltd will attract investment and inject new vigour into the business and ensure that this flagship enterprise continues as an exemplar of economic activity in Scotland’s environmental and social forestry sector.

Contact details:
Further information about Borders Forest Trust is available from Willie McGhee, Director of Borders Forest Trust on 01835 830 750 or by email willie@bordersforesttrust.org