Argyle Street Ash in Glasgow Crowned UK Tree of the Year

Published: 26 September 2025, The English Chronicle Desk

A historic ash tree standing proudly on one of Glasgow’s busiest streets has been named the UK’s Tree of the Year in the annual competition organised by the Woodland Trust. The Argyle Street ash, a Victorian-era tree that has survived both urban development and the threat of ash dieback disease, captured the imagination of the public and experts alike, edging out several renowned contenders from across the country.

Unlike many previous winners, which are often found in remote corners of the British countryside, the Argyle Street ash thrives in the heart of a bustling city. Towering 75 feet tall, it casts shade over the sandstone tenement houses that line the street, offering residents a rare touch of nature amid the urban landscape. Its resilience and elegance have earned admiration for generations. In his 1951 book From Glasgow’s Treasure Chest, author James Cowan described it as “quite the most graceful ash I have seen,” a quote that is proudly displayed in the pub opposite the tree.

Local legend adds to the tree’s charm. Cowan recounts that a sapling grew accidentally when a family returned from holiday with primrose roots, one of which contained the ash seed. Over decades, the tree has witnessed the city’s history, surviving the Clydeside blitz, ongoing redevelopment, and the widespread devastation caused by ash dieback, a fungal disease that has killed thousands of trees across the UK.

The Argyle Street ash competed against some formidable rivals in this year’s competition. Among the runners-up were the “King of Limbs” oak, which inspired a Radiohead album title, and the “Lonely Tree” at the edge of Llyn Padarn in north Wales. Other finalists included the Lady Jane Grey oak in Bradgate Park, Leicester, and a majestic cedar at Chiswick House, London, where the Beatles were once photographed.

Adam Cormack, head of campaigning at the Woodland Trust, highlighted the significance of urban trees like the Argyle Street ash. “Trees really matter to people, and this is clear from the response we’ve seen to the Argyle Street ash. Trees inspire us to write stories and create art, whilst connecting us to cultural legacies and a sense of place. We encourage people to notice and enjoy the trees around them, and learn more about how they benefit us – from boosting biodiversity and wellbeing, to mitigating the effects of climate change,” he said.

The tree’s preservation has been ensured through a tree preservation order, thought to be one of the first in Glasgow. Arborist David Treanor, who has managed the tree for several years, nominated it for the award. The nomination also received support from local figures, including MSP Paul Sweeney and Stuart Murdoch of the band Belle and Sebastian.

This victory marks a second consecutive year in which a Scottish tree has triumphed in the competition, following the Skipinnish oak’s success last year. As the UK Tree of the Year, the Argyle Street ash will go on to represent Britain in the European Tree of the Year contest in early 2026, where it will compete against notable trees from across the continent.

For residents of Argyle Street and visitors alike, the recognition is more than symbolic. It serves as a reminder of the importance of urban green spaces and the value of protecting natural heritage, even in the midst of city life. The ash’s resilience, history, and beauty have captured hearts, demonstrating that even a single tree can hold profound cultural and environmental significance.