Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) staff and managers are disputing proposed changes to the organisation’s Edinburgh office, including reduced kitchen seating and the possible removal of a lightly used well-being room. The disagreement has attracted criticism because FLS received £37.5 million in taxpayer funding last year, while Scotland’s government is seeking savings and reviewing the value of its quangos.

The proposed redesign would add 16 desks, bringing the total to 45, alongside a meeting room, confidential conversation pods and quieter areas for neurodiverse employees. FLS and Scottish Forestry received £96.5 million in government funding in 2024-25, while FLS chief executive Kevin Quinlan received a salary package of £205,000 to £210,000; FLS says the changes will make better use of the space and support collaboration.