Trees in Scotland that survived lightning strikes shortlisted for Tree of the Year award

Two trees in Scotland that survived lightning strikes and a hurricane have been shortlisted for the Tree of the Year Award.

It comes after an ash tree on Glasgow’s Argyle Street won the award in 2025. This year, two trees in Scotland have made the ten-strong shortlist.

The first is an Earlstoun Lightning Oak in Dumfries and Galloway, which survived a lightning strike many years ago.

The Woodland Trust said a “thick scar travels from the branch’s severed end all the way down the trunk to meet the ground”.

The fascinating shape of the Balloch Castle Ash Audrey Baird/Woodland Trust

A description read: “The trunk grows at a noticeable angle, perhaps helping the tree to rebalance and survive after being almost split in two.

“In the 1850s, this tree was recorded as 300 years old and marked on maps as the Big Oak of Earlstoun. Standing mere yards from now-derelict Earlstoun Castle, it was once part of a vast ancient woodland, all belonging to Alexander Gordon of Earlstoun.

“He was outlawed after the Battle of Bothwell Bridge in 1679 but often returned to his estate, hiding in this tree when government troops were too close for comfort. He eventually earned his freedom but was deep in debt, so sold his ancient woodland to be felled.

“This tree was spared, perhaps cherished for its age, or its sentimental value after it helped Alexander evade capture.”

The second Scottish entry is an ash tree at Balloch Castle Country Park.

It is also believed to have survived a lightning strike, as well as a 1968 hurricane, multiple storms and now ash dieback.

A description read: “With over a million visitors to the park each year, people frequently picnic and pose for photos on the tree’s immense roots and buttressing too – including Oasis fans during a 1996 gig at the park.

“Local people and organisations passionate about protecting the park have helped give this tree time to grow into a sculpture-like tower of strength, resilience and wonder.”

Public voting opens on Wednesday for the competition, which aims to celebrate and raise awareness for rare, ancient or at-risk trees across the country.

They have been chosen to help highlight nature’s great survivors in line with this year’s theme, “against all odds”.

Of the ten shortlisted, a panel of experts selected eight trees of differing ages and species, while the public chose two as a wildcard entry.

The public can vote for their favourite tree until late September via the Woodland Trust website, and the winner will be announced in early October – before progressing to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year finals.

Actor and nature podcaster David Oakes, who is a Woodland Trust ambassador, said: “Most things survive by fleeing.

“A tree, rooted for life to a single patch of ground, doesn’t get that option.

“So trees have perfected the opposite: the art of weathering whatever arrives. But a few are frankly show-offs.

“The ten nominees for Tree of the Year have all defied the odds in extraordinary ways, from clinging to cliffs and church towers, to enduring collisions and cannonballs.”

May Chemais, who runs the Ancient Tree Inventory at the Woodland Trust, said: “Trees can be both tough and flexible, as the shortlist proves.”

“We hope people will enjoy discovering all the incredible stories of resilience behind our nominees this year,” she added.