The Scots Pine has been unveiled as the national tree of Scotland.
A recent three-month consultation to choose a national tree found the Scots Pine the clear favourite, with over 52% of the vote.
Over 4,500 people took part in the decision-making process, run by Forestry Commission Scotland.
Announcing the consultation results during a Members’ Debate in the Scottish Parliament, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, said, “Scotland’s trees, forests and woodlands are some of our greatest and most treasured natural assets. We are rightly proud of them because they help shape our landscape and make Scotland the fantastic country that it is.
“The Scots Pine was an obvious choice and certainly the people’s choice. Its designation of being the national tree of Scotland will help create an iconic symbol to highlight the significant contribution trees make to our country. “
The idea of a national tree of Scotland came from Alex Hamilton, a member of the public who brought his campaign to the Scottish Parliament through a petition and received cross-party support from MSPs.
He said, “I am delighted at the news and congratulate the Scottish Government. I look forward to this symbol of our beautiful and life-giving woodlands being embraced by all."
The second favourite tree, the Rowan, received 15% of the responses and in third place came the Holly with 7%.