Is this the most famous tree in Scotland?

Cumbernauld’s historic Queen Mary’s Tree – which has stood in the grounds of Cumbernauld House since the 16th century – could soon be voted Scotland’s best-loved tree.

By The Newsroom

Published 4th Jul 2014, 15:13 BST

It has been entered by the community council in the Scottish Tree of the Year contest, run by the Woodland Trust Scotland and supported by Postcode Lottery.

Queen Mary’s Tree is named after tragic Mary Queen of Scots, who is reputed to have planted the tree in 1561.

Cumbernauld Castle was replaced by Cumbernauld House in 1731, designed by William Adam, one of the foremost architects in Scotland during the 18th century – but the tree remained in pride of place during all those changes, and is still a living landmark after more than four centuries.

A shortlist of six entries will be chosen by a panel including nature writer Jim Crumley. The winner, to be judged by public vote in October, will be entered in the European Tree of the Year contest.

Scotland