What's your tree of the year?
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NOMINATIONS are open for Scotland's Tree of the Year 2019 competition, organised by Woodland Trust Scotland.
The event celebrates individual trees which communities have taken to their heart, and, thanks to players of People's Postcode Lottery, the winning tree will receive a £1000 care award, with £500 for the two runners-up.
George Anderson of Woodland Trust Scotland understands how much many trees mean to communities around Scotland.
He said: "We want to hear about the historic trees, the grand old specimens or just the trees people have a particular connection with. It is the story as much as the tree itself which catches the public imagination and gets the votes flowing in. The contest is a fantastic celebration of the trees that are most special to people and communities."
The prize money can be spent on works to benefit the winning tree, signage or some kind of community celebration. Last year's winner, Netty's Tree on Eriskay had a ceilidh tune commissioned with part of its award.
Other previous winners include the Suffragette Oak in Glasgow, the ‘Ding Dong’ tree in Prestonpans and the ‘Big Tree’ on Orkney.
Any individual or organisation can nominate a tree with nominations closing on Friday, July 19.
Judges will choose finalists to go to public online vote later in the year. The finalists will be honoured at a Scottish Parliament reception and will have portraits taken by nature photographer Niall Benvie. As well as the £1000 care award the winning tree receives a unique trophy.
Nominations can be made online at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/treeoftheyear
