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How you can help mighty Highland icon claim Woodland Trust Scotland Tree of the Year accolade


By Hector MacKenzie

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Laura McNally says it is a 'unique, magnificent specimen'. Picture: Mark Hamblin
Laura McNally says it is a 'unique, magnificent specimen'. Picture: Mark Hamblin

A LONE sentinel standing guard in a Highland forest has found itself at the centre of a popularity contest.

The Lord President’s Oak stands in the middle of a railway bridge in the heart of Culloden forest on the path to the famous St Mary’s Clootie Well.

Forestry and Land Scotland’s north region team is urging everyone to vote – before noon on September 24 - for the mighty stalwart to become Woodland Trust Scotland's Tree of the Year 2020.

Laura McNally, FLS area visitor services manager, nominated the tree. She said; “We had a big hit last year with the ‘ last Ent of Affric ’ winning the title – it was a really popular win and seemed to strike a chord with lots of people.

In the running.
In the running.

“This year’s nominee could definitely also be classed as one of that very special arboreal family. Being where it is, slap bang in the middle of the path, it’s almost as though it’s standing guard, a lone sentinel protecting the forest beyond from unwelcome visitors. Or maybe making sure that only the worthy are allowed to approach the Clootie Well?

“In any event, the fact that it has survived and thrived in the middle of a bridge helps make it such a unique, magnificent specimen. It has so many links with local history and is so well known locally that I thought it should definitely be in the running for the Tree of the Year.”

The tree takes its name from the Lord President’s seat - a large stone at the base of the tree that formerly marked a local view point across the Moray Firth that was popular with land owner Lord Culloden (1685-1747) and his wife. Lord Culloden was Lord President of the Court of Session.

In 1855 the stone was moved to its present position to make way for the Highland railway being built.

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.

See the contenders and cast your vote

Related: 'Last Ent of Affric' becomes symbol of new battle against disease

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