A monster chestnut tree more than 600 years old, a hornbeam known as the ‘Teapot Tree’ that oozes character and a sycamore saved from the chop are just three of the trees in the running to be crowned the Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year for 2021.
The list for the coveted UK-wide prize has been whittled down to just 10 from this year’s weekly winners and voting is now open to the public, who will decide which tree will be named champion.
The shortlist of 10 was selected from hundreds of nominations across our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media accounts using #TreeoftheWeek
Now in its seventh year, the Woodland Trust’s Tree of The Year contest highlights the UK’s favourite trees to help show their value and need for protection.
Adam Cormack, Head of Campaigning for the Woodland Trust, said: “Tree of The Year is “a reminder of the natural connection that we have with trees.
“It’s all about that ‘wow’ moment that people get when they see a tree they appreciate,” he added. “This could be standing under a magnificent old oak or noticing the autumn colours of a street tree on the school run.
“This connection is something that children and adults share. Trees can make us happy, healthy, thoughtful – or upset when they are lost from our lives. The nominations we receive for Tree of the Year on social media are a window into the way we experience trees and the richness they bring to our lives.
“But Tree of The Year has a serious message. Many of our oldest and most special trees in the UK have no form of legal protection. It’s time that our oldest trees got the same protection as our oldest buildings. Our built heritage and our natural heritage are both important and both worthy of protection. After all, once they’re gone ancient trees can never be replaced like for like.”
The contest takes place across the UK and nominations for 2021 were decided via social media for the first time.
Last year’s winner in England was a plane tree in Hackney known as the Happy Man Tree, but unfortunately even widespread fame could not earn the Happy Man a happy ending in its title-winning year as it was felled shortly after because of redevelopment.
This year a couple of trees that have been saved from the chop make the list – and there are plenty of interesting stories to be told.
“There is a good smattering of different types of trees,” Adam Cormack continued. “Some have conservation stories, some have historical significance and others that are just awesome and eye-catching.
“The change to voting on social media taps into the instant opportunity to share the love of some of these wonderful trees.
“Trees deserve to take centre stage. Tree of the Year is a simple way to show our love of trees at a time when trees are so vital to fight the climate and nature crisis.
“Please do get voting!”
Voting closes at noon on 13 December with further glory awaiting the winner, which will represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year 2022 contest.
The nominations
Beech – Silent Valley, Ebbw Vale, Gwent, Wales
This magnificent beech is a prime example of a mature tree within a woodland – a key feature of woods in good ecological condition. It has spectacular, exposed roots that are covered in moss and gnarled bark full of character and weathered over time.
A lonesome but fiercely proud hawthorn still managing to guard the coastline despite being battered by the elements is a fine example of a mature tree. And while not spectacular in size it cuts a striking presence in an unusual setting and is equally as important as more imposing specimens.
Monterey Cypress – Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, Wales
An iconic Monterey Cypress tree planted on the beach in 1938 and precariously clinging on to what precious little soil is left. Known locally as “Saundersfoot’s Eiffel Tower”, it was saved from felling this year after a passionate public campaign.
Ash – Ettrick Forest, Selkirk, Scotland
A tree that is almost certainly a descendant of the Ettrick Forest sitting in majestic surroundings within a churchyard. Steeped in history and cultural value, this delightful ash tree is a defiant reminder of the need to deal with the threat of exotic tree diseases like ash dieback.
Hornbeam – Ashenbank Wood, Cobham, Kent, England
The Teapot Tree beautifully describes this stunningly simple hornbeam’s posture, while its bark is truly eye-catching and so full of personality. It’s a wonderful example of a veteran tree that benefits from basic conservation measures – a simple fence made from sustainable materials to keep it protected in a highly visited area.
Sweet chestnut – Rnyda, Cumbria, England
A famous much-celebrated “monster” of a sweet chestnut tree. It is over 600 years old and as well as its remarkable stature and imposing branches, its twisting trunk make it a sight to behold.
Parasol beech – Parkanaur Forest Park, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland
An exceptional curly beech with rare features, this tree captivated the judges. Unusually low in appearance for its species, the knotted branches grow randomly back towards the ground to add further charm.
Oak tree – Helions Bumpstead, Braintree, Essex, England
Not the mightiest oak but bundles of personality and a perfect example of how oaks can host other species such as moss and ivy cascading from its trunk and branches. These coexist and do no damage to its ecosystem. This oak looks simply splendid captured in all its autumn glory.
Sweet chestnut – Willesley Park Golf Club, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, England
A gargantuan tree with a girth of more than 11 metres in a very different setting. The sheer size and wow factor makes it a standout entry.
Sycamore – Newark, Nottinghamshire, England
A much-loved mature sycamore saved by the community in Newark, who stopped the chop for a car park. All the hard campaigning shows the power of peaceful protests – and thankfully this glorious specimen will continue to be part of the community for years to come.
Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing, has today announced the shortlist for the 2022 Bookbug Picture Book Prize. Now in its sixth year, the shortlist includes Alastair Chisholm, Catherine Rayner, David Roberts, and Zoë Ingram.
The award was established to celebrate the most popular picture books by Scottish authors and illustrators and to encourage reading for pleasure.
The shortlist is selected by an independent panel of experts including Primary 1 teachers, a children’s librarian, children’s bookseller and Bookbug coordinator as well as experts from Scottish Book Trust’s Early Years Team.
The winner is then chosen by thousands of children across the country who can cast their votes online either at school with their teacher or at home with their families, via the Scottish Book Trust website.
THE BOOKBUG PICTURE BOOK PRIZE 2022 SHORTLIST IS:
Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep by Catherine Rayner
Inch and Grub by Alastair Chisholm and illustrated by David Roberts
My First Book of Woodland Animals illustrated by Zoë Ingram
The 2022 shortlist features an exhausted lion who meets an owl friend; competitive cavemen; and a beautifully illustrated wild animal spotter guide.
Catherine Rayner is an author and illustrator of children’s picture books. She studied Illustration at Edinburgh College of Art where, for her final degree show, she created what would go on to be her debut picture book.
Originally from Yorkshire, Catherine fell in love with the city of Edinburgh and still lives there. She was winner of the 2009 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal for Harris Finds His Feet. In 2010, she was the inaugural illustrator in residence at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Catherine Rayner said:“I’m so excited to be on such an amazing shortlist. “I’m a huge supporter of Scottish Book Trust and all they do so this is an exceptionally special honour. Arlo is extremely excited too!”
Alastair Chisholm is an award-winning children’s author and puzzle creator. He’s the author of the sci-fi middle-grade adventures Orion Lost and Adam-2, and children’s picture books The Prince and the Witch and the Thief and the Bears, as well as books of Sudoku, Kakuro and other puzzles, including the Kids’ Book of Sudoku and Kids’ Book of Kakuro series. Alastair lives in Edinburgh with his wife and two children.
David Roberts is a children’s illustrator originally from Liverpool. He has illustrated a large number of books in both black and white and colour. He has worked with such well-known authors as Philip Ardagh, Peter Bently and Julia Donaldson.
His sister Lynn Roberts is also a writer and the siblings have collaborated on several retellings of fairy stories, including Rapunzel: A Groovy Fairy Tale, which was shortlisted for a Blue Peter Book Award, and Little Red: A Fizzingly Good Yarn, which was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal.
Alastair said:“It’s a joy to see Inch and Grub shortlisted for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize, and especially to be included in the Bookbug bag!
“This is a brilliant and vital project, and one my own daughters benefited from when they were younger – it’s wonderful now to think of my and David’s book becoming part of it. Thank you so much!”
Zoë Ingram is an artist & illustrator based in Edinburgh. With a printed textile design degree under her belt and a career in the creative arts spanning over twenty years, Zoë now focuses on client commissions and personal work.
Zoë primarily works with mixed media and digital applications, often combining traditional and digital techniques. Zoë has also recently written and published her first book, Oh My Gouache!, a beginner’s guide to painting with opaque watercolour.
Zoë said:“I’m so thrilled to be shortlisted for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize.“It’s such an honour to be chosen and I just hope that everyone who reads My first book of Woodland Animals has as much fun finding out about all the lovely animals and insects in the book as I did when I was illustrating them.”
61,000 pupils across Scotland will receive a free copy of each of the three books on the shortlist, which are given to every Primary 1 child during Book Week Scotland (15 November – 21 November), in the Bookbug P1 Family Bag.
The winner of the Bookbug Picture Book Prize will be announced in an exclusive video to all registered groups on Wednesday 26 January. The winner will receive a specially commissioned trophy and £2,000 while shortlisted authors and illustrators receive £500 per book.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said:“Congratulations to all those who have been shortlisted for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize. We encourage schools and families across Scotland to read the shortlisted titles and vote for their favourite.
“We hope the children receiving their Bookbug P1 Family Bag will enjoy sharing these stories at home and with their classmates.”
Katalina Watt, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland, said:“The Bookbug Picture Book Prize is such a special award with its focus on reading for enjoyment and placing young readers at the heart of the selection process.
“Warm congratulations to all the authors and illustrators who submitted their stories and to those making up such a rich and varied shortlist.”
The deadline for voting is Friday 10 December 2021 at 5pm.
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MARKDAVID salon based in Stockbridge, has received the news it has finalised for the Salon Awards in two categories – Best Customer Experience and for the Best New or Refurbished Salon category.
With the salon being open for only just one year, this is an incredible achievement, being the third awards the salon has finalised for since opening and during such a turbulent year.
The Salon Awards are the only virtual hair and beauty industry awards where hair and beauty can compete at a local level in their fields of expertise.
Focused on improving standards, elevating business, rewarding individuals, and showcasing the professionalism of their industry locally, and with an impressive audience and reputation with its industry peers, the Salon Awards are a fantastic platform for hair and beauty professionals with a devotion to showcasing talent and giving those the opportunity to be recognised by their industry.
To enter the awards, the MARKDAVID salon had to provide written entries showcasing passion and personality and outlining why they should win the chosen category. Questions had to be answered fully and be supported with evidence, picture and videos in the format specified.
Out of 1000’s of entries collated and judged, MARKDAVID was chosen as the finalist for two categories. The winners of each category will be announced at a virtual ceremony on Saturday 12th December through the Salon Awards portal and will include a live DJ set and a showcase of sponsors and partners.
Mark McCarthy, Owner of MARKDAVID, commented: “I am absolutely delighted our salon has been announced as the finalist for two categories in the Salon Awards. The salons design and interior means a great deal to me and is something I took a lot of time and effort to decide on to create something I knew my clients would love.
“Our customer service is something we pride ourselves on too and we are constantly trying to think of new ideas to offer our clients something new and different from other salons and thinking of ways we can go the extra mile and exceed their expectations.
“To win either or both of the awards in December would be amazing and would end the year on such a high!”
The debate over which song should take the title of ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’ is set to begin as the shortlist of ten is unveiled.
The ten songs were selected by four judges including Jackie Bird, singer and actress, Clare Grogan as well as journalist and presenter, Gordon Smart and Aarti Joshi of DF Concerts after many hours of debate and discussion.
The top ten songs have been named as:
Dignity: Deacon Blue
Whole of The Moon: The Waterboys
Loaded: Primal Scream
Tinseltown in the Rain: The Blue Nile
Baker Street: Gerry Rafferty
Sunshine on Leith: The Proclaimers
In a Big Country: Big Country
This is the Life: Amy MacDonald
Black Eyed Boy: Texas
Somewhere in My Heart: Aztec Camera
The shortlist was announced by Ewen Cameron who was joined by the judges on his breakfast show, ‘Ewen Cameron In The Morning’ across the Greatest Hits Network including Forth 2, Clyde 2 and Tay 2.
A podcast has also just been launched where the judges talk about their struggle to narrow the list down to just ten.
On Sunday 15th November from 4pm to 7pm the judges will also come together for a special one-off show across the Greatest Hits stations in Scotland. Hosted by head judge, Jackie Bird, she will be joined by her three fellow judges to discuss their shortlist, how they came to their decisions and to play the final ten.
One of the judges joining Jackie will be Gordon Smart, who said: “It was a such a pleasure to debate ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’ with two women I love and respect, Clare Grogan and Aarti Joshi. If it wasn’t for Jackie Bird, we’d still be arguing about our top 10 now!
“It was a reminder of how incredible the canon of work Scotland has produced really is. I’ve not slept well since for excluding some brilliant stuff from bands and artists I love. If you like our final choice, I was Gordon Smart. If you don’t, I’m Ewen Cameron.”
Aarti Joshi, of DF Concerts also commented: “I was honoured to be helping to decide ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’. We were feeling the pressure as judges to choose the final ten songs, especially when this country has produced so many absolute bangers.
“The rest of the panel are really excellent people so locking horns with them was fun with lots of discussion, swearing and laughter – I can’t wait to hear what the public have got to say!”
Voting will open on Sunday 15th November and the winner will be announced by Ewen Cameron on ‘Ewen Cameron in the Morning’ on St. Andrew’s Day.
You will be able to listen on AM*, online, on DAB radio, via the station app or on your Smart Speaker.
*West Sound Dumfries is on FM (and not available on DAB). Northsound 2 is a digital station and not available on AM.
Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, has revealed today the shortlist for the 2021 Scottish Teenage Book Prize.
The three titles chosen by the panel are Evernight by Ross MacKenzie, The Gifted, The Talented and Me by William Sutcliffe and White Eagles by Elizabeth Wein.
Scottish Book Trust encourages teenagers of all ages to join the biggest book club in the country: by reading the three shortlisted books and voting as part of their class, book group or individually by Friday 5 March 2021. Those who participate in voting will also receive Young Scot points.
The Scottish Teenage Book Prize, now in its fifth year, was set up to celebrate the most popular teen books by authors in Scotland. It is run by Scottish Book Trust with support from Creative Scotland. Shortlisted authors receive £500 and the winner receives £3,000.
To find out more about the shortlisted titles, readers can use Bookzilla, a free app for early secondary school students in Scotland. Young people can receive tailored book recommendations, see what is popular among their classmates and challenge themselves to try something new with a reading dare. The app promotes different featured collections every month and is available to download on the app store or Google Play.
The panel for the Scottish Teenage Book Prize included Shelagh Toonen, librarian at Elgin Academy, Moray and Stephen Shiels, librarian at The Royal High School, Edinburgh, along with staff from Scottish Book Trust.
The winning title will be announced on Wednesday 31 March 2021, in an exclusive video available to classes who are registered to vote. Young people can register to vote online via Scottish Book Trust’s website: scottishbooktrust.com/stbp.
THE SCOTTISH TEENAGE BOOK PRIZE 2020 SHORTLIST IS:
Evernight by Ross MacKenzie (Andersen)
The Gifted, The Talented and Me by William Sutcliffe (Bloomsbury)
White Eagles by Elizabeth Wein (Barrington Stoke)
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said:“Many congratulations to all the authors on the Scottish Teenage Book Prize shortlist.
“We look forward to seeing teenagers and schools getting involved with the prize as they do every year. This is the first year young people can vote individually, so we hope many will take the opportunity to vote for their favourite shortlisted book.”
Alan Bett, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland, said:“Congratulations to the three authors shortlisted for the 2021 Scottish Teenage Book Prize.
“As well as recognising talented young writers and bringing their work to new readers, the spirit in which these awards are made through peer voting, is so important. We’re delighted to support an award that is a positive step for both authors and the reading public.”
Quotes and information on the shortlisted titles:
Ross MacKenzie lives in Renfrew, where he grew up.He is multi award-winning author of books for children, including The Nowhere Emporium, which won both the Blue Peter Book Award and Scottish Children’s Book Award.
Ross regularly visits primary schools, libraries and literary festivals where he discusses the power of stories and imagination, and holds Q&A sessions and writing workshops.
Ross said:“I’m equal parts surprised and thrilled that Evernight is on the shortlist for this year’s Scottish Teenage Book Prize!
“It’s wonderful to know that readers all over the country will soon be venturing into the dangerous dark places of the Silver Kingdom. I wish you all a good journey.”
William Sutcliffe is based in Edinburgh and has published 12 novels, including five for young adults.
Over the years he has done many events, including talks, readings and workshops for all ages. His novel The Wall was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal) and Concentr8 was shortlisted for the YA book prize.
William said:“I am thrilled to be on the shortlist for the Scottish Teenage Book Prize again.
“My visits to schools around Scotland are an endless source of inspiration for me as a writer. Meeting the teenage readers of this country and talking about politics and fiction is always fascinating, and I never fail to travel home with fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm for my job.
“I’m delighted to be part of this prize, and am looking forward to meeting some of the new readers it will bring to my books.”
Elizabeth Weinwas born in New York, and grew up in England, Jamaica and Pennsylvania. She now lives in Perth, Scotland.
Elizabeth is a member of the Ninety-Nines, the International Organization of Women Pilots. She was awarded the Scottish Aero Club’s Watson Cup for best student pilot in 2003 and it was her love of flying that partly inspired the idea for Code Name Verity.
Elizabeth said:“I’m grateful, honoured, and delighted to have White Eagles represent Barrington Stoke on the Scottish Teenage Book Prize shortlist!
“In this time of uncertainty and isolation, it means the world to me to be able to share this story of solidarity and flight with young readers across Scotland.”
RICS publishes shortlist of developments which are transforming the everyday lives of residents
35 schemes across nine award categories have been nominated from Shetland to Dumfries
Winners to be announced in April
RICS (Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors) in Scotland are set to vote on a shortlist 35 construction projects to mark their role in transforming communities and the everyday lives of people.
Published this week, the shortlisted construction schemes include ELEVEN from Edinburgh, including Pennywell Phase 2 (residential), Edinburgh Printmakers (heritage, leisure), King’s Stables Road (commercial) (above) and Ciaran’s House, CLIC Sargent Home from Home (healthcare).
Announcing its support for the Prince’s Trust to help more young people take up careers in property, the awards mark the impact of construction on communities across the country – with voting to take place ahead of the RICS Scotland ceremony on 23 April.
A UK grand final will be held later in September for those successfully nominated from each region – with property expert David Brooks Wilson leading a panel of guest judges to select those projects worthy of the top award.
Matthew Howell, RICS UK Managing Director, said: “The real estate industry plays a vital role in Scotland, and our refreshed awards celebrates the positive impact that our professionals can have on people’s lives and the best of what is built.
“This year’s shortlist features some of the best talent in our profession, and the new Social Impact Awards recognises the significant value these projects have brought to the communities around them. The judges will have their work cut out deciding on who gets the top award with so many top projects involved.
“I’m also delighted to be supporting The Prince’s Trust in getting young people into construction. Our shortlists, showcase projects which have been turning people’s lives around, whether that’s through apprenticeships for young people, rehabilitating ex-offenders or regenerating towns and cities to make them more inclusive, and we hope that promoting these will encourage more talent into a profession that can really make a difference.”
Chair of the award judging panel David Brooks Wilson said:“The real estate sector is an important part of the economy, and this year’s shortlist shows the power of built environment professionals to make a positive impact on society and our communities.
“It features the breadth of work and contributions that our professionals and wider industry make and the difference this profession can make.”
The awards are divided into nine award categories to include the best examples of development in the commercial, education, healthcare, heritage, infrastructure, land & rural, leisure, residential and student accommodation sectors – with an overall winner also due to be announced.
RICS Social Impact Awards – Scotland Shortlist 2020
Project Region Categories
4 North Edinburgh Commercial Aberdeen Art Gallery Aberdeen Heritage Baird’s Close Two Edinburgh Student Accommodation Bertha Park High School: A new school for a new community Perth Education Ciaran’s House – CLIC Sargent Home from Home Edinburgh Healthcare Collective, Caltonhill Edinburgh Leisure Cunningham House Glasgow Residential Cupar Burgh Chambers Cupar Heritage Dundee Regional Performance Centre for Sport Dundee Leisure Edinburgh Printmakers Edinburgh Heritage, Leisure Gairloch Museum Gairloch Heritage, Leisure Glenrothes Energy Network Glenrothes Infrastructure INTO Academic Centre Stirling Education Kelvinside Academy Glasgow Education Kirn Primary School Dunoon Education King’s Stables Road Edinburgh Commercial Mixed-Use Development National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling at Moat Brae Dumfries Heritage, Leisure North Sighthill Regeneration Edinburgh Residential NGHA Offices Glasgow Commercial Ochiltree Community Hub Ochiltree Leisure Panmure House – The Home of Adam Smith Edinburgh Heritage Pennywell Phase 2 Edinburgh Residential Perth Transport Futures Project: Phase 1 Crieff Road Perth Infrastructure Pittodrie Street Student Accommodation: Getting it right for student living Aberdeen Student Accommodation Powell Hall & Whitehorn Hall St Andrews Student Accomodaton Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice Glasgow Healthcare Robroyston Railway Station Glasgow Infrastructure Shawbridge Street Glasgow Residential TECA-creating a world-class events and leisure complex Aberdeen Commercial, Leisure The Balfour Orkney Healthcare The Fraser Centre Tranent Leisure The GRID Building Edinburgh Education The Registers Edinburgh Commercial University of Glasgow Campus Development Glasgow Education Woodside Health and Care Centre Glasgow Healthcare
