'Jubilee Wood' to be grown in Edinburgh in honour of the Queen, Nicola Sturgeon announces

A ‘Jubilee Wood’ is to be created in Edinburgh in celebration of the Queen’s 70 years on the Throne, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

Seventy native trees will be grown in Holyrood Park, less than a kilometre from the Scottish Parliament, the First Minister said.

Sturgeon set out the plans during a debate at Holyrood on Wednesday congratulating the Queen’s service.

Jubilee beacons will be lit across the country, whilst there will also be pipers in several occasions playing a specially composed tune.

The First Minister said the Scottish Government, on behalf of the Scottish people, will mark the occasion by presenting the Queen with a bottle of limited edition Johnnie Walker whisky with a design celebrating Scotland’s plants and wildlife.

They will also gift the Queen a throw made from the tartan commissioned in honour of the three bridges across the Forth.”

And Sturgeon explained that native trees will be grown in commemoration of the Queen’s Jubilee.

“To create a longer-term legacy, Historic Environment Scotland will plant a stand of 70 native trees in Holyrood Park,” she said.

“The proposed Jubilee Wood will be located less than a kilometre from here, just across the road from St Margaret’s Loch and will be visible from the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

“It is expected that wildflowers will be planted beneath the trees by primary and nursery children from nearby schools.

“This initiative will enhance a part of our capital city that the Queen knows and loves.

“It is also historically apt. The Queen’s first public engagement in Scotland after acceding to the Throne 70 years ago saw her plant a cherry tree by the entrance to Canongate Kirk, and that tree still stands there today.”

Sturgeon continued: “It is hoped that the trees planted this year for her platinum jubilee will still be standing and flourishing 70 years from now, and indeed for many years after that.

“They will be an enduring and fitting reminder of a unique occasion in history and an expression of the regard and affection in which the Queen is held by so many across our nation.”