Mactaggart & Mickel mark the end of its 100th year as pupils and family members plant the first of 124,000 trees in landmark woodland project

Mactaggart & Mickel, one of Scotland’s longest-established property and land businesses, has planted the first trees in its new 150-acre Centenary Forest at Burnbrae, Symington. More than 124,000 trees will be established, creating a major new woodland to support biodiversity, capture carbon and provide lasting benefits for the local community.

Image: Group photo at the Centenary Forest planting event, with Andrew Mickel at centre right and Ross Mickel at centre left, holding ceremonial spades. 

The ceremonial planting brought together pupils and teachers from Symington Primary School’s Eco Group, three generations of the Mickel family, consultants, alongside members of the Mactaggart & Mickel team. Together, they marked the creation of a woodland designed to serve both current residents and future generations.

Image: Former Chairman Bruce Mickel with his three grandchildren, their father and current Director Ross Mickel, and two members of the Symington Primary School Eco Group.

Once complete, the Centenary Forest will include a mix of native broadleaves, conifers and open ground, contributing to Scotland’s woodland expansion ambitions while enhancing biodiversity. Alongside supporting sustainable timber production, the project will deliver new natural space for walking, wellbeing and wider community use.

The woodland has been supported by Scottish Forestry through the Forestry Grant Scheme, as part of Scotland’s wider environmental and woodland expansion programme.

The Centenary Forest forms part of a wider programme of initiatives marking Mactaggart & Mickel’s 100th anniversary and will stand as one of the most significant legacies of the company’s centenary year. These initiatives have included fundraising activity and community partnerships across the UK, including Maggie’s, Rock Trust and Centrepoint, reflecting the company’s long-standing connection to the communities it has helped shape.

Andrew Mickel, Director at Mactaggart & Mickel, said: “It was a privilege to welcome our guests and the pupils from Symington Primary School as we planted the first trees in our Centenary Forest. As we mark 100 years of Mactaggart & Mickel, this project reflects our long-standing connection to Symington and our commitment to responsible land stewardship. The Centenary Forest will stand as a lasting legacy, creating environmental and social value for the area for decades to come.”

Ross Mickel, Director at Mactaggart & Mickel, added: “Planting alongside three generations of our family and local pupils was incredibly special and reflects our long-term approach as we celebrate 100 years of Mactaggart & Mickel. The Centenary Forest is a fitting way to mark this milestone, building on our past while investing in something that will grow, mature and be enjoyed for future generations.”

The Centenary Forest will leave a lasting mark on the landscape, combining carefully planned woodland, open spaces, and a diverse mix of native and broadleaf species. Beyond contributing to Scotland’s woodland expansion and enhancing biodiversity, the project will provide a sustainable source of timber and create new spaces for walking, wellbeing, and community enjoyment, a living legacy for generations to come.

Image: The Mactaggart & Mickel team at the end of the Centenary Forest planting event, proudly wearing their bespoke Centenary tartan hoodies.