From wildcard to podium, Balloch Castle Ash was one of just two publicly nominated trees that made it to a shortlist of 10 to run in the UK Tree of the Year 2026 competition. The results have now been announced and the Ash is now Scotland’s Top Tree this year after securing 3rd place in the competition.
Balloch Castle Ash Tree is a living, life giving masterpiece, much loved by the local community and now a nationally recognised hero and asset within Balloch’s outstanding Country Park. It’s a great achievement for everyone involved in caring for the Park and a wake-up call to everyone to work together to restore and protect the Park’s acclaimed and regionally vital natural and built assets.
Thank you to everyone who voted and huge congratulations to Northern Ireland’s Bendy Tree, which took the top spot in the competition. We’re delighted with the Bronze medal and to know our Balloch Castle Ash is one of the best trees in Scotland.
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/tree-of-the-year
