Perth has been named as one of Scotland’s first Champion Cities as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Provost Dennis Melloy was presented with a plaque by deputy lieutenant Alex Cairncross on Friday, marking the achievement at the official opening of Perth City’s Jubilee Avenue.
The Avenue is a row of 27 semi-mature Carpinus Betulus Fastigiata Hornbeam trees - a species of birch - planted as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy at the South Inch, Perth.
The Avenue is marked by special posts at either end commemorating the Jubilee.
The Queen’s Green Canopy is a unique tree planting initiative which invites the nation to “plant a tree for the Jubilee”.
Champion City Status is granted to towns and cities which create an environmental legacy and promoting the importance of urban trees and woodlands to health, air quality and climate.
The presentation took place on March 11, the 70th day of the jubilee year.
Following the presentation of the plaque, Provost Melloy planted a tree at the South Inch as his tribute to The Queen in Her Majesty’s Jubilee Year.
Provost Melloy said: “The Queen’s Green Canopy is a wonderful initiative and I am proud to accept Champion City status on behalf of Perth.
“The Jubilee Avenue will be our lasting legacy of the Queen’s Green Canopy and will feature in our Jubilee Celebrations in June.”
Councillor John Duff added: “The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is an extraordinary event and I am pleased the contribution across Big Tree Country has been recognised today.
“The Jubilee Avenue looks fantastic.
“Other trees planted across Perth and Kinross will be enjoyed for generations to come and we are grateful to the Nature Restoration Fund for their support with the avenue tree planting.”
Deputy lieutenant Alex Cairncross added: “There have been some wonderful tree planting events taking place in Perth and Kinross for the Queen’s Green Canopy, from single trees, orchards and woodlands and so I am delighted to present Perth with Champion City Status at the same time as celebrating the opening of this fantastic Jubilee Avenue.”
Pupils from Our Lady’s Primary School in Perth also attended Friday’s ceremony, performing the song they wrote for the planting of their “Celebration Tree for Schools”, gifted by The Queen as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.
A video of the children singing was sent to the Queen.
Other organisations which have supported the Queen’s Green Canopy in Perth and Kinross include the Woodland Trust, Scottish and Land Forestry, Scottish Forestry, Nature Scot, Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust, Scottish Woodlands and the National Trust for Scotland.
