Is this Fife tree the best in Scotland?

The Queen Mary’s Thorn, a hawthorn tree which can be found in the St Mary’s Quad, at the university, has made it to the final six in the annual competition, run by the Woodland Trust.

It was nominated by Judy Dowling, a recorder of ancient and veteran trees for the trust.

“Mary stayed in a house near the quad,” said Judy.

“She was in St Andrews quite a lot. I heard that her favourite uncle had died that year and it was planted in his honour.

“It’s an important tree and one of the oldest in the town – perhaps the oldest.”

Judy has nominated a tree for the award every year, but has never won. The winning tree will be given £1000, to be spent on its care.

Judy explained why she voted for the tree – and why she wants St Andreans to get behind it.

“It’s an old hawthorn. It is thought to have been planted in the 1560s,” said Judy.

“It’s an under-rated tree and I always go for the under-dog. Local people should know more about the tree.

“There are so many students, tourists and locals who go through the quad. People are walking past it every day. Old trees are just as important as old buildings, but we don’t do enough to protect them.

“It deserves to win.”

To learn more about the trees shortlisted for the award, and to cast your vote, visit the website – www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/tree-of-the-year/scotland.