Cross cutting timber at Ardross Forest 1970s
Photograph courtesy of Brian Fletcher, Conon Bridge.
Forestry Workers Archie Clark with power saw and Andy Calder are measuring and cutting the trees which have been pulled to roadside by the tractor and sulky.
The load of timber has been pulled onto some cross bearers to keep the stems clear of the ground and allow easy cutting with the chain saw without contacting stones and soil. A measuring stick is used to calculate the length of the product – most likely pulp wood in this case. Archie appears to be using a Jonsered saw? After the cutting was finished and before the next drag was brought in, the two men would then have to hand stack the logs into a heap ready for the timber lorries to lift.
These were obviously the days before stricter health and safety regulations as there is little sign of protective helmets, chainsaw trousers and boots!
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