Residents on and visitors to Arran are being urged to help slow the spread of a fatal disease that affects larch trees as Forestry and Land Scotland’s South Region team prepares to tackle an outbreak on the island.

Phytophthora ramorum, which can infect a range of host species, causes particularly damaging infections on larch trees.

First found in Scotland in 2002, with infections on Scottish larch trees confirmed in 2009, and larch infections on Arran observed in 2013. The disease has had its most significant impacts on larch across south west Scotland, where the weather is known to be favourable for infection and spread.

Arran is one of several areas in the south and west of Scotland where the scale of infections has increased this year.

FLS’s local team is now working hard to schedule a programme of felling works to remove affected trees and has asked that members of the public lend a hand by following biosecurity advice to ‘Keep it Clean’.

Andy Walker for the FLS team on Arran, said;

“This is a horrible disease that can’t be eradicated and has no known cure. The only way we have to slow its rate of spread is to fell the affected larch trees.

“It will result in substantial changes to some well-loved landscapes over the next few years but if we don’t do this, then the long term impact will be even worse.

“That’s why we’re asking people to help by taking a few simple steps to help limit the spread of the disease to other sites on the island where the larch is so far unaffected. 

“The spores that spread this disease can be carried to other sites in mud and forest debris – so please follow our ‘Keep it Clean’ advice and take a few minutes to brush or wipe off boots, bike wheels, tent pegs and even your dog’s paws before and after a visit to any woodland in the area.

“These simple measures will have a positive impact on our forests, help to slow the spread of tree pests and diseases and buy the time to research and develop other actions that we can take to ensure the long term health of our woodlands.”

Phytophthora ramorum has been confirmed at several places on the east/west/south of the island and felling work to remove affected trees will begin before Christmas.

As work is carried out some sites will be closed for public safety and visitors are urged to follow diversion signs with advice to ‘Keep it Clean’.

The team will work on the necessary removal of affected Larch trees as Statutory Plant Health Notices are served by the regulatory agency, Scottish Forestry, with a view to fell additional larch areas over the next four years to proactively manage the impact of further infections in the area.

Sasha Laing from the local Scottish Forestry conservancy said; 

“The location and scale of infections on Arran have required us to develop our local  regulatory approach to look to achieve the best disease control outcomes over the coming  years. The approach taken allows due consideration of the unique landscape of Arran and  the capacity of the forestry sector to deliver these outcomes”    

FLS is also working on replanting plans that will reduce the visual impact as much as possible.

Notes to editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.

2. forestryandland.gov.scot | twitter.com/ForestryLS

3. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 0131 370 5059 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.