menu

Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards

These awards celebrate the contribution that woodlands can make to the people, environment and economic prosperity of Scotland

Previous winners

Scottish Forestry Trophy for Early Years

  • 2023 Bushcraft Bairns, Comrie
  • 2022 Johnston Nursery, Kirkcudbright
  • 2021 Perth Outdoor Playgroup, Perth

Trophy for Climate Change Champion

  • 2023 Future Forest Company Ltd for Dumyat, Stirling
  • 2022 No Award
  • 2021 Andrew and Lynne Sinclair for Balbeg Estate’s Bennan Hill, Straiton, Ayrshire (Trophy sponsored by CarbonStore 2021 -2023)

Scottish Woodlands Trophy for Young People – Farm Woodlands

  • 2023 David Carruth for Brodoclea Wood, Dalry, Ayrshire
  • 2022 John MacGregor (farmer) and Andy Maclachlan (forester with Scottish Woodlands Ltd.) for Allanfauld Farm, Kilsyth
  • 2021 James and Nikki Yoxall for Howemill, Huntly, Aberdeenshire
  • 2019 Lynn Cassells and Sandra Baer for Lynbreck Croft, Grantown on Spey

Lilburn Trophy for Farm Woodlands

  • 2023 No Award
  • 2022 Joint winners: Michael and Shirley Clarke for Williamwood, Lockerbie and The Lockett Family for Knockbain Farm, Dingwall
  • 2021 North Tillydaff, Midmar, Aberdeenshire (Wendy Seel and Anne Taylor)
  • 2019 Kilrie Farm, Kirkcaldy, Fife (John Drysdale and Kieran Kelly)
  • 2018 Gascoigne Farm Ltd., Broughton, Peeblesshire (Peter Gascoigne)

James Jones Trophy for New Commercial Woods

  • 2023 Richard Davidson for Crofthead, Moffat
  • 2022 Succothmore, Strachur, Cowal (The Forestry Partnership 2008 LLP, managed by Tilhill)
  • 2021 Larriston Forest, Newcastleton, Scottish Borders (Mrs J C Hands, managed by Tilhill Forestry)
  • 2019 Mr Mervyn Harrison for Beirhope, Near Hownam, Kelso
  • 2018 Rig of Airie, New Galloway (James Jones and Sons Ltd., managed by Scottish Woodlands Ltd.)
  • 2017 Jerah, Sheriffmuir, Dunblane (Mr John Hartz, managed by Tilhill Forestry)
  • 2016 Carrick Estate, Cowal (Mr Pelham Olive)
  • 2015 Warroch Hill, Near Milnathort (The Church Commissioners for England)
  • 2014 Glen Orchy Native Woodland (Forestry Commission Scotland & UPM Tilhill)
  • 2013 Auchlochan (Forestry Commission Scotland)
  • 2012 Annelshope Forest, Selkirkshire (John Hartz)

Woodland Trust Scotland Trophy for New Native Woods

  • 2023 Robin Sedgwick for Martyn’s Wood, Crannich, Isle of Mull
  • 2022 Mike and Fiona Coulthard for 1, Ardnakille, Scalpay, Isle of Harris
  • 2021 Anders Holch Povlsen for Killiehuntly Woodland, Cairngorms (Wildland Ltd.)
  • 2019 Jahama Highland Estates for Kinlochleven Native Woodland, Lochaber
  • 2018 Craig Leek and Meall Gorm, Braemar, Aberdeenshire (Invercauld Estate)
  • 2017 Joint winners: Carrifran Wildwood, Moffat Hills (Borders Forest Trust) and
    Mar Lodge Estate Pinewoods, Braemar (National Trust Scotland)
  • 2016 Garradh Beithe Wood, Inverness-shire (Jane O’Donovan & Neil MacKenzie)
  • 2015 Li and Coire Dhorrcail Woodlands, Knoydart (The John Muir Trust)
  • 2014 Craigengillan Estate, Dalmellington, Ayrshire (Mark Gibson)
  • 2013 Gorrenberry ‘Princess Jubilee Woodland’, Roxburghshire (Jane Bower)
  • 2012 Loch Katrine, Perthshire (Forestry Commission Scotland)
  • 2011 Northwoode Native Woodland, Berwickshire (D Long & S McDermott)

The Crown Estate Scotland Schools Trophy for school-based projects

  • 2023 Fordyce Primary School, Aberdeenshire
  • 2022 Joint winners: Grandtully Primary School (Perthshire) and Priorsford Primary School (Peebles)
  • 2021 Pitlochry High School (Perthshire)
  • 2019 Earthtime Forest School Nursery (Duffus, Moray)
  • 2018 St. Mary’s School (Melrose)
  • 2017 Underbank Primary School (South Lanarkshire)
  • 2016 Gavinburn Early Education and Learning Centre (West Dunbartonshire)
  • 2015 Dingwall Academy and Evanton Community Woods (Ross-shire)
  • 2014 Dreghorn Primary School, Irvine (North Ayrshire)
  • 2013 Howden St. Andrew’s RC Primary School, Livingston (West Lothian)
  • 2012 Mortlach Primary School, Dufftown (Moray)
  • 2011 Rosneath Primary School, Helensburgh (Argyll & Bute)
  • 2010 Charleston Academy, Inverness (Highland)
  • 2009 Cowgate Under 5’s Centre (City of Edinburgh)
  • 2008 St. Joan of Arc Special School (City of Glasgow)
  • 2007 Cockburnspath Primary School (Scottish Borders)
  • 2006 Equal 1st place: St Crispin’s Special School (City of Edinburgh)
  • 2006 Equal 1st place Kincardine-in-Menteith Primary School (Stirling)

Tim Stead Trophy for Community Woodlands

  • 2023 Almondell and Calderwood Country Park, Broxburn, West Lothian (Overall Winner of the Tim Stead Trophy and Winner of the Large Community Woodland Group competition)
  • 2022 Taliesin Community Woodland, Near Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway (Overall Winner of the Tim Stead Trophy & Winner of the Small Community Woodland Group competition)
  • 2021 Craigmillar Castle Park, Edinburgh (Winner of the Large Community Woodland Group competition)
    Laide and Aultbea Community Woodland, Laide, Ross-shire (Winner of the Small Community Woodland Group competition)
  • 2019 Michaelswood Public Amenity, Aith, Shetland (Overall Winner of the Tim Stead Trophy & the Small Community Woodland Group competition)
    Gifford Community Woodland, East Lothian (Winner of the Large Community Woodland Group competition)
  • 2018 East Kilbride Community Trust for K-Woodlands, East Kilbride (winner Large Community Woodland Group & Overall Winner of the Tim Stead Trophy)
  • 2017 Airor Common Grazings Native Woodland, Knoydart (winner Large Community Woodland Group & Overall Winner of the Tim Stead Trophy)
    Doune Ponds, Perthshire (winner Small Community Woodland Group)
  • 2016 Kilfinan Community Forest, Argyll (winner of Viable Livelihoods competition & overall winner of category and Overall Winner of the Tim Stead Trophy)
    Evanton Community Wood, Ross-shire (winner of Healthy Lifestyles competition)
  • 2015 Knoydart Forest Trust (winner of Viable Livelihoods competition & Overall Winner of the Tim Stead Trophy)
    Glasgow City Council for Castlemilk Park (winner of Healthy Lifestyles competition)
  • 2014 Abriachan Forest Trust, Abriachan Forest, Inverness-shire (Healthy Lifestyles category & Overall Winner of the Tim Stead Trophy)
    Kilfinan Community Forest Trust, Kilfinan Community Forest, Tighnabruich, Argyll (Viable Livelihoods category)
  • 2013 Joint winners: Dunnet Forestry Trust, Dunnet Forest, Caithness (Viable Livelihoods category) and
    Falkland Centre for Stewardship, The Forest of Falkland, Fife (Healthy Lifestyles category)
  • 2012 Central Scotland Forest Trust (Polbeth & Parkhead Woodlands, West Lothian)
  • 2011 Dedridge Environment Ecology Project (Livingston, West Lothian)
  • 2010 Forres Community Woodlands Trust (Forres, Moray)
  • 2009 The Blarbuie Woodland Partnership (Lochgilphead, Argyllshire)
  • 2008 Drumchapel Woodland Group (Garscadden Wood, Glasgow)
  • 2007 The Woodland Trust (Livingston Woods)
  • 2006 Kelty Heritage Trails (Fife)

John Kennedy Trophy for Multi-purpose Forestry

  • 2023 CCF LLP for Barracks Forest, Kinloch Rannoch
  • 2022 No Award
  • 2021 Andrew and Lynne Sinclair for Balbeg Estate, Straiton, Ayrshire
  • 2019 James Evan Baillie for Darroch Wood, Scaniport Estate, Near Inverness
  • 2018 Joint Winners: Elderslie Estates, Renfrewshire (Houston Farms Partnership) and Kenmore Forest, By Inveraray,
    Argyll (Hunt-Grubbe Family Trust managed by Fyne Forestry Ltd.)
  • 2017 No Award
  • 2016 Sutherland Estates, Golspie (Sutherland Estates Partnership)
  • 2015 No Award
  • 2014 West Buccleuch (The Church Commissioners for England)
  • 2013 Bogrie Wood, Drumlanrig (The Duke of Buccleuch)
  • 2012 Ian Mhor Croft (J Hunt & L Walker)
  • 2011 Ramsaygrain East and Rashiegrain Forets (UPM Tilhill)
  • 2010 Glenmore Forest Park (FC) (Winner of the Silver Jubilee Prize)
  • 2009 Culbin Forest (FC)
  • 2008 No Award)
  • 2007 Abriachan Forest (Abriachan Forest Trust)
  • 2006 Sunart Oakwoods Initiative
  • 2005 No Award
  • 2004 Glen Affric, Cannich and Ploda Falls (FC)
  • 2003 Kinnoul Woodland Park, Perth. (FC)
  • 2002 Queens Jubilee Pine Wood (FC)
  • 2001 Bennachie Forest (FC)
  • 2000 Allean Forest (FC)
  • 1999 Kerriedarrock (FC)
  • 1998 East Loch Lomond (FC)
  • 1997 Newcastleton Forest (FC)
  • 1996 Abernethy Forest Reserve (RSPB)
  • 1995 Belladrum Wood (A J M Gibbs)
  • 1994 Mabie Forest (FC)
  • 1993 Glenlivet (Crown Estates)
  • 1992 Glenmore (FC)
  • 1991 The Hirsel (Lord Home)
  • 1990 Eskdale & Liddesdale Estate (Buccleuch Estates)
  • 1989 Achray Forest (FC)
  • 1988 Bowhill (Buccleuch Estates)
  • 1987 Fassfearn
  • 1986 Ardgarten Forest (FC)

Hunter Blair Trophy for Silvicultural Excellence

  • 2023 No Award
  • 2022 No Award
  • 2021 Aylsa Leslie for Auchintender, Near Huntly, Aberdeenshire
  • 2019 David Shepherd and Annie Griffiths for Craggach Woods, Kirkhill, Near Inverness
  • 2018 Sandy Paterson (Senwick Wood, Kirkcudbright Bay)
  • 2017 No Award
  • 2016 Forest Enterprise Scotland, Tay Forest District (Allt Charmaig, Errochty Forest, Perthshire)
  • 2015 No Award
  • 2014 Virginia Fraser (Fanellan & Ruttle, Inverness-shire)
  • 2013 Mr Billy Martin (Curr Wood, Morayshire)
  • 2012 No Award
  • 2011 Lady Balgonie (Dalnahaiglish, Glenferness Estate, Nairnshire)
  • 2010 Dr James Bryce (Newbyth Oak Wood, East Lothian)
  • 2009 Forestry Commission Scotland – Lorne Forest District (Strone Oakwoods, Glen Orchy, Argyllshire)
  • 2008 Bolfracks Estate (Aberfeldy, Perthshire)
  • 2007 Dr James Bryce (Newbyth Oak Wood, East Lothian)
  • 2006 Not Contested
  • 2005 Not Contested
  • 2004 No Award
  • 2003 Novar Estates (Evanton Wood, Ross-shire)
  • 2002 Birse Community Trust (Finzean Community Woods, Aberdeenshire)
  • 2001 The Gannochy Trust (Quarryhill Woodland Park, Perth)
  • 2000 Scottish Wildlife Trust
  • 1999 R D G Clarke (Edderton Woodlands, Tain, Ross-shire)
  • 1998 Scottish Wildlife Trust
  • 1997 F & D Tindall (Straarvie Woods)
  • 1996 Forestry Commission Scotland (Faskally Forest, Perthshire)
  • 1995 Lothian Regional Council
  • 1994 National Trust for Scotland
  • 1993 Mr C Davison (Fairburn House, Urray, Ross-shire)
  • 1992 Moray District Council (Millbuies Country Park, Elgin, Morayshire)
  • 1991 Prof Kenneth Murray (Drumchork,Perthshire)
  • 1990 Mrs J C Arthur, UA Forestry Ltd (Mains of Milngavie, Glasgow)
  • 1989 Lady E Barrington
  • 1988 Andrew Mylius (Saint Fort Estate, Fife)
  • 1987 Fountain Forestry (New Kelso, Ross-shire)
  • 1986 The Duke of Buccleuch (Drumlanrig, Dumfriesshire)

Prior to 1986 this competition was administered by the Royal Scottish Forestry Society

Hunter Blair Trophy winners 1964-1985 >>

Dulverton Flagon (an occasional award made at the judges’ discretion)

  • 2023 Bamberg Ltd for Ardachuple, Cowal (managed by Tilhill) for commercial woodland design in a sensitive landscape.
  • 2022 Mrs J C Hands (Cormilligan, Dumfries and Galloway managed by Tilhill) for the successful balance between commercial forestry and competing objectives.
  • 2021 No Award
  • 2019 No Award
  • 2018 No Award
  • 2017 No Award
  • 2016 Forest Enterprise Scotland, North Highland Forest District (Sibster Forest, Caithness) awarded for the innovative
    nature of this successful 200 hectare mixed commercial woodland establishment scheme in a challenging climate and the extent to which it has been welcomed locally.
  • 2015 No Award
  • 2014 No Award
  • 2013 Mr Jeremy Finnis & Diana Cole (Ardochy New Productive Forest, Dell Estate, Inverness-shire) awarded for successful integration of commercial forestry with native woodland creation and carbon sequestration.
  • 2010 The Crown Estate (Glenlivet Estate, Tomintoul, Banffshire) awarded for innovation & diversity.

1919 Centenary Trophy (a unique competition for 2019 only to mark the centenary of the 1919 Forestry Act)

  • 2019 Forestry and Land Scotland – North Region team for Fort Augustus Woodlands, Highland