A TREE in Clacks is in the running to be named Scotland's Tree of the Year after it was shortlisted by the Woodland Trust.

The sycamore, named The Climate Change Tree, which was planted more than 100 years ago at the now Gartmorn Dam, is up against a number of historic sites as it bids to be crowned the country's best tree.

Described as "remarkable", the tree was first put in the ground at the Sheriffyards Colliery which closed in 1921.

According to the Woodland Trust, which is running the competition, industry created the tree, but nature reclaimed it.

Nominated by Chris Knapman (pictured), an arborist from Falkirk, the tree's biography reads: "The tree survives despite everything that the changing climate can throw at it, and flourishes on top of the eroding remains of the fossil fuel industry.

"This tree is a potent symbol for our times, a living carbon capturer. The Climate Change Tree has subsided and re-grown from its exposed rootplate to create an extraordinary tangle which triumphs as the colliery spoil diminishes."

It faces stiff competition, however, as it comes up against a hawthorn planted by Mary Queen of Scots and a stunted oak loved by photographers.

Online voting is open and is supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery. The winning tree will receive a care package worth £1,000 which can be spent on works to benefit its health, interpretation signage or community celebration.

Carol Evans, Woodland Trust Scotland Director, said: "We felt a definite lockdown effect in the competition this year, with twice the usual number of nominations.

"There was a common theme to a lot of the trees and their stories – of tenacity and hanging on against the odds.

"There were a handful of trees just outside the final six, which had been discovered or were provoking particular affection during people's daily walks.

"Everyone has taken solace from the nature on their doorstep and it has been quite moving to see so many trees that became places to escape, gyms and classrooms.

"Trees were there for us, as they always are when we need to boost our mental health and wellbeing."

The competition has run annually since 2014 and 50 trees were nominated by the public earlier in the year.

These have since been whittled down by a panel of judges with six finalists now going to the public vote.