Get rooting for your favourite trees in Cairngorms
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Have you got a tree that you love in Badenoch and Strathspey? Then don't hide your light – or its – under a bushel.
Nominations have just opened for Scotland's Tree of the Year 2019.
The competition organised by Woodland Trust Scotland celebrates individual trees communities have taken to their heart.
Thanks to players of People's Postcode Lottery the winning tree will receive a £1000 care award, with £500 for two runners up.
The money can be spent on works to benefit the 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.
George Anderson, of Woodland Trust Scotland, said: “We want to hear about the historic trees, the grand old specimens or just the trees that 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 competition has become a very popular annual fixture and turns up new delights every year. It is a fantastic celebration of the trees that are most special to people and communities.”
Any individual or organisation can nominate a tree.
Nominations close on 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
Is there a tree in your part of the world that could be this year's winner?
For further information contact George Anderson on 07770 700631.
