30/05/2012
An oak tree will be planted at the Scottish Parliament today to signify Her Majesty The Queen’s lasting connection with Scotland’s Parliament and its people.
The Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick MSP will plant the tree in the landscaped area of the Holyrood building as the Scottish Parliament commemorates The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
A motion marking The Queen’s 60 years as Monarch will also be debated by MSPs. The motion, which has cross party support, will be debated in the chamber at the start of today’s parliamentary business.
The Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick MSP said:
“It is fitting that this oak tree will be planted in the landscaped area of the Scottish Parliament building, a building opened by The Queen, where members of the public will be able to see it grow and flourish for many years to come.
“The Queen’s personal affection for Scotland is well known and she has visited Parliament many times. I am delighted that the Scottish Parliament will be commemorating this momentous occasion.”
The tree is being planted as part of the Jubilee Woods project organised by Woodland Trust Scotland which aims to transform areas across the country.
Andrew Fairbairn, Policy and Communications Manager, Woodland Trust Scotland said:
“We’re delighted that the Scottish Parliament has chosen to help celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by planting this oak tree. This is one of 2 million native trees to be planted by people across Scotland through the Woodland Trust’s Jubilee Woods Project.”
“Oak trees are one of our most recognisable native tree species. They represent both strength and longevity so it’s a fitting way to recognise her Majesty’s 60-year reign.”
Background
The text of the Diamond Jubilee motion is:
That the Parliament congratulates Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee; expresses its gratitude for Her Majesty’s exceptional public service and unwavering dedication to duty over sixty years in a changing world; affirms the respect that is held for Her Majesty in Scotland, and looks forward with anticipation to the continuation of that long and close relationship on the occasion of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee visit to Scotland during this celebratory year.
In addition to the tree planting and debate, the Parliament will present a photographic record of The Queen’s visits to the Scottish Parliament to Her Majesty during Holyrood Week in July.
The Woodland Trust champions native woods and trees. The Trust has three key aims: a) to enable the creation of more native woods and places rich in trees b) to protect native woods, trees and their wildlife for the future c) to inspire everyone to enjoy and value woods and trees. Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres). In 1984, the Trust acquired its first wood in Scotland. Today the Trust owns 80 sites across Scotland covering 8,750 hectares.
The Jubilee Woods Project aims to plant six million trees to celebrate The Queen’s reign. It is hoped that this will create a lasting legacy of the jubilee celebrations, creating areas for people to relax, explore and enjoy.