Petitioner: Alex Hamilton
Status:
Closed
Date Lodged:
16 November 2012
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government, as a symbolic commitment to our woodlands and natural heritage, to proclaim the Scots Pine as the National Tree of Scotland
The petitioner has also collected 44 offline signatures.
Summary:
8 January 2013: The Committee took evidence from Alex Hamilton and Alan Watson Featherstone, Founder and Executive Director, Trees for Life. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government, Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage. Link to Official Report 8 January 2013 (474KB pdf)
5 March 2013: The Committee agreed to await a response from the Scottish Government and write to the Woodland Trust. Link to Official Report 5 March 2013 (361KB pdf)
14 May 2013: The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government. Link to Official Report 14 May 2013 (503KB pdf)
3 September 2013: The Committee agreed to close the petition, under Rule 15.7, on the basis that the Scottish Government has committed to undertake a consultation on the designation of a National Tree of Scotland. In doing so, the Committee also agreed to bring the evidence received to the attention of the Scottish Government as part of its consultation. Link to Official Report 3 September 2013 (587KB pdf)
Written Submissions:
Ideas and issues need a symbol around which people can unite and campaign when working together for the common good. It is accepted by most that our environment needs protecting and that our woodlands and forests have an essential role in preventing climate change and in improving our world. A National Tree of Scotland would be a valuable symbol of Scotland's commitment to our arboreal heritage and environment .
The Scots Pine is widely recognised among Scots as being their iconic tree; let the nation unite behind it.