Glasgow's Argyle Street Ash in running for European Tree of the Year

A tree in Glasgow is in the running to be crowned Europe’s best.

The Argyle Street Ash won the Woodland Trust’s UK Tree of the Year and has now been nominated for the European title.

The competition has never been won by a British tree – nor an ash.

Known as the Defiant Giant, the tree has stood in Glasgow city centre for 175 years.

Standing at 23 metres tall, this remarkable tree has weathered the city’s industrialisation, the Clydesdale Blitz, and ash dieback.

David Treanor, the arborist who nominated the tree, said: “Our Defiant Giant is rooted in the hearts of so many people in Glasgow and across the UK. Now it’s time to share its story with the rest of Europe.

“This is a unique urban tree that we are proud to have as part of our city. Its survival against the odds, and reassuring presence, make it a symbol of hope. We want to dream big and think it will speak to people in cities around the world. Please vote for the Argyle Street Ash.”

The tree was described by James Cowan in his 1951 book, From Glasgow’s Treasure Chest, as “quite the most graceful ash I have seen” – a quote framed on the wall of the pub opposite, known for its Gaelic live music scene.

The pub’s landlady helped campaign for it to win the UK competition, along with Belle & Sebastian frontman, Stuart Murdoch, and many others from the community.

Affectionately dubbed ‘the only tree in Argyle Street’, the ash is now the last of several trees that used to line this busy city road, and remains a welcome habitat for birds and other wildlife.

It is also thought to have received the city’s first ever Tree Preservation Order in 1980.

Anna Perks, Tree Equity Lead at the Woodland Trust, said: “It’s been a delight to see the public’s connection with this urban tree. With over 4.3 million Scots living in towns and cities, it has never been more important to recognise and cherish trees as a vital part of every neighbourhood.

“Trees like the Argyle Street Ash help improve air quality, provide shade, and boost biodiversity. At the Woodland Trust, we believe every community should have access to the health and well-being benefits of trees.”

Voting is open from Monday, February 2 until Sunday, February 22 via treeoftheyear.org/vote/argyle-street-ash