A BRIGHTER future is on the way for Johnstone’s Rannoch Woods as Forestry Enterprise Scotland carries out tree-felling work.

After visitors branded the green space as “dark and uninviting”, work is set to start on Friday to reduce the number of trees in the woodland and along path edges.

It is hoped this will increase the amount of light and create a more open and appealing space.

FES also hopes to install signs, build new paths and do more planting in the future to encourage wildlife.

Jim Williamson, community and visitor services manager at FES, said: “The upgrade to Rannoch Woods is essential to help create a better, more enjoyable space for the community, as well as encourage the wildlife to thrive.

“Our long-term aim is to achieve a woodland which has good access and is diverse in species, structure, character and biodiversity.

“We will improve and build new paths, install new signs and encourage biodiversity through natural regeneration and planting.”

The tree felling is expected to take six to eight weeks, with a further two or three weeks to remove the timber. Some paths will be closed during the work but diversions will be provided.

The main work will take place Monday to Friday, 7am-7pm, but weekend work might take place to allow for faster completion.