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See the Glasgow tree shortlisted for UK Tree of the Year

See the Glasgow tree shortlisted for UK Tree of the Year

The National10-07-2025
Known as the Argyle Street Ash, the Glasgow tree was nominated by local resident David Treanor, who noted its description in James Cowan's 1935 book From Glasgow's Treasure Chest as "quite the most graceful ash I have seen".
This year's competition theme, 'Rooted in Culture,' seeks to spotlight trees that have inspired artistic expression or have become embedded in local heritage. A total of 10 trees from across the UK have been shortlisted.
READ MORE: Scotland's volcanic landscape mystery solved by scientists with 'extraordinary' find
Voting for the award opens on Friday, July 11, with the winner to be announced on September 26. The chosen tree will go on to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year contest.
Other contenders include a cedar tree in Chiswick famously climbed by The Beatles in a 1966 music video, a yew grove in Cumbria celebrated in a poem by William Wordsworth, and the Tree of Peace and Unity in County Antrim, a lime formed from two trees which became symbolic during the Good Friday Agreement.
Also among the finalists are the King of Limbs oak in Wiltshire, which inspired the title of a Radiohead album, the so-called Lollipop Tree featured in the final scene of 1917, and the Knole Park Oak in Kent, thought to be the tallest in Britain and linked to Virginia Woolf's novel Orlando.
Dame Judi Dench, patron of the Woodland Trust, has encouraged public participation in the vote.
'Our oldest trees hold more stories than Shakespeare,' she said.
READ MORE: Historic Scottish hotel to be transformed following major hotelier purchase
'They are as much a part of our heritage as any literature. I hope you will join me in voting.'
The competition, supported by the People's Postcode Lottery, aims to raise awareness of the importance of ancient, rare, and culturally significant trees.
Laura Chow, head of charities at the lottery, said the shortlisted trees have 'witnessed key moments in history' and continue to inspire reflection and creativity.
Public voting remains open until September 19 via the Woodland Trust's website.
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Local over 55s try Mandala Painting For the first time
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Local over 55s try Mandala Painting For the first time

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Over-55s invited to get active on free walking tour in Moray
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Over-55s invited to get active on free walking tour in Moray

Moray's over 55s are invited to attend a fun, free Walking History Tour of Elgin's High Street and Closes. The walk will start from the Elgin Cathedral Gates, King Street, Elgin IV30 1HU on Wednesday, August 13 at 6pm. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The free tour is part of First Time for Everything,a community health and well-being programmedesigned by Royal Voluntary Service. First Time for Everything is supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery and gives people opportunities to try something new for free, to socialise and be active, particularly those that might be older or less mobile. The tour will be led by Lynda Dean from Elgin Ghost Tours, who will guide participants through the intriguing places, people and events of Elgin's past. There will also be some light refreshments afterwards. Participants are encouraged to please dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Some of the tour is over uneven ground and will take around an hour, so unfortunately may not be suitable for less mobile people. Image by wal_172619 from Pixabay Laura Chow, Head of Charities, People's Postcode Lottery, said:'Being active, getting out and about and feeling part of the local community are important for health and wellbeing, no matter what our age, ability or circumstances. With generous support from players of People's Postcode Lottery, 'First Time for Everything' brings local people together to try something new, to meet new people and have fun.' To register for the Walking Tour or other First Time for Everything events, or for more information, contact Royal Voluntary Service activity coordinator, Sharon Finlay, by email: [email protected]. Booking for all events is essential as places are limited. For those unable to get out and about to First Time for Everything activities in person, Royal Voluntary Service has designed the Virtual Village Hall. The Virtual Village Hall is a free, online activity hub and community that helps people stay physically and mentally active, socially connected and having fun. It helps people to better manage their health, including long-term health conditions. Supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery, the Virtual Village Hall offers live online activity sessions every weekday on Facebook and YouTube, from exercise and dance, yoga and meditation to crafts, interesting speakers, creative writing and cooking. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There's an extensive archive on YouTube, too with more than 2,500 free activity sessions to try. It is free to join, and anyone can take part with no sign-in or subscription required. Where activities require equipment, ingredients or materials, these are low-cost and easy to source. To find and take part in the Virtual Village Hall, search @VirtualVillageHall. Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain's largest volunteering charities with volunteers supporting the NHS, adult social care and thousands of vulnerable people in the community. The charity also works in local communities, running home libraries, companionship support, home from hospital services and patient transport. To find out more about local volunteering opportunities with Royal Voluntary Service, visit

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