Anyone wishing to fell trees must ensure that a licence or permission under a grant scheme has been issued by Scottish Forestry (formerly Forestry Commission Scotland) before any felling is carried out or that one of the exceptions apply.
You normally need to get permission from Scottish Forestry to fell growing trees. This is usually given in a Felling Licence or an approval under a grant scheme. In certain circumstances you may also need special permission from another organisation for any proposed felling. This sometimes applies even if you do not need a Felling Licence.
Everyone involved in the felling of trees, whether doing the work or by engaging others, eg. the owner, agent, timber merchant or contractor, must ensure that a licence or approval under a grant scheme has been issued before any felling is carried out or that one of the exceptions apply. They must also ensure that the work is carried out in accordance with the terms of a Scottish Forestry permission. If there is no licence or other valid permission, or if the wrong trees are felled, anyone involved can be prosecuted.
Do not begin felling until Scottish Forestry have issued a licence or other permission. Any felling carried out without either a licence or other permission is an offence, unless it is covered by an exception.