ScottishTimes SNP Press Release: MSP WELCOMES LAUNCH OF CONSULTATION ON NATIONAL TREE SCOTS PINE COULD BE PERFECT AMBASSADOR FOR SCOTS EVERYWHERE South of Scotland MSP Joan McAlpine has today welcomed the announcement that a consultation is to be launched on whether Scotland should have a national tree. In May, Ms McAlpine lead a debate on the issue in the Scottish Parliament, arguing that a national tree could help boost efforts to restore native forests and to help educate young people about the importance of the environment. Scottish Environment Minister, Paul Wheelhouse announced the consultation during a visit to the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston. Ms McAlpine said: “I’m delighted at this announcement. It shows that the Scottish government has listened to the arguments put forward through the Petitions Committee and in my debate. “Declaring a national tree is a great way to educate children about the environment and how it links to Scotland’s history and identity. “I’ve made no secret of the fact that I personally favour the Scots pine. It is iconic and does not grow naturally elsewhere in the UK or Ireland. Yet it is the most widely distributed conifer in the world, stretching from Scandinavia to southern Spain and from Ardnamurchan to Eastern Siberia. "The Scots Pine evokes the spirit of the Scottish human diaspora which is also scattered widely and would be the perfect ambassador for a country whose people have made such a mark on the world.”
Posted on: Fri, 21 Jun 2013 16:24:11 +0000