Staff and volunteers at Loch of the Lowes have been celebrating the awarding of the inaugural Scottish Tree of the Year title to “Lady’s Tree” since the announcement was made last Thursday, prior to the presentation ceremony at the Scottish Parliament that evening.

I was lucky enough to be invited along to attend the presentation, which was sponsored by MSP Jim Hume, on behalf of the team at Loch of the Lowes, along with the Scottish Wildlife Trust Chairman, Robin Harper and Chief Executive, Jonathan Hughes. Below are a selection of images from the evening…

The trophy, which has been attracting many admiring looks from staff, volunteers and public alike, was lovingly designed and created by Angus Clyne , a professional woodturner based in Ballinluig, near Pitlochry. The base is made from Burr Elm whilst the circular top section is Turned Oak. Given that it was sculpted in Highland Perthshire it seems very fitting that it should stay in the local area.

It will have pride of place in our visitor centre glass display cabinet for the next 12 months so you can come and see it for yourselves. Hopefully come next spring we can add the European Tree of the Year trophy to the collection – voting opens in February!

A HUGE thank you once again to everyone who voted for us – we couldn’t have done it without you! Thanks must also go to Woodland Trust Scotland for organising the competition and to the People’s Postcode Lottery for supporting the event.