Take a bough: Which will you be rooting for to become Scotland’s Tree of the Year?
● Five of the nation’s best-loved trees vying for title
A hawthorn planted nearly 500 years ago by Mary Queen of Scots and a stunted oak on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond are amongst the contenders vying to be crowned Scotland’s Tree of the Year 2020.
The two characterful trees are among five shortlisted for the competition, which has been running since 2014.
The finalists are the Climate Change Tree in Alloa, the Lord President’s Oak near Inverness, the Milarrochy Oak at Loch Lomond, Queen Mary’s Thorn in Fife and the Survivor Tree in the Borders.
They beat off stiff competition from around 50 others from across the country which were nominated by members of the public.
The winner will go on to compete for the prestigious title of European Tree of the Year.
Competition organisers say the coronavirus crisis has had a big impact on the nominations sent in this year, showing the important role nature has been playing in many people’s lives while restrictions on movements have been in place.
The competition is organised by the Woodland Trust conservation charity, with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Woodland Trust Scotland director Carol Evans said: “We felt a definite lockdown effect in the competition this year, with twice the usual number of nominations. “There was a common theme to a lot of the trees and their stories – of tenacity and hanging on against the odds.
“There were a handful of trees just outside the final five which had been discovered or were provoking particular affection during people’s daily walks.
“Everyone has taken solace from the nature on their doorstep, and it has been quite moving to see so many trees that became places to escape to, gyms and classrooms.
“Trees were there for us, as they always are when we need
‘We felt a definite lockdown effect. There was a common theme toalotofthetrees and their stories – of tenacity and hanging on against the odds’
CAROL EVANS
Director, Woodland Trust Scotland
to boost our mental health and well-being.”
Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “The competition has unearthed some remarkable trees and demonstrates the strong ties and affection communities feel towards them, fostering a strong connection with nature.
“I am delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery have supported this celebration of the nation’s best-loved trees.”
The winning tree will receive a care package worth £1,000, which can be spent on works to benefit its health, interpretation signage or community celebrations.
Online voting in the competition opens today and runs until 24 September.
Last year’s victor was the Last Ent of Affric, an ancient elm that has survived disease to remain as a lone sentinel in a remote Highland glen.
Before that, previous winners were: Netty’s Tree on the island of Eriskay in 2018; the Big Tree in Kirkwall, Orkney, in 2017; the Ding Dong tree in Prestonpans, East Lothian, in 2016; the Suffragette Oak in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park in 2015; Lady’s Tree, the 100-year-old Scots pine where Scotland’s most famous female osprey raised a record number of chicks, at Loch of the Lowes nature reserve in Perthshire, in 2014; and Niel Gow’s Oak, also in Perthshire, a 300-year old tree with links to the renowned Scottish fiddler and composer, in 2013.