TWO estates in the Borders will be joining the dozens across the country until December 1 to celebrate the importance of trees to our lives and our landscape during the Scottish Tree Festival.

The estates will be inviting visitors to explore some of the finest tree collections and to enjoy the spectacle as the canopy changes from green to gold and scarlet.

At Cringletie near Peebles guests are being invited to walk amongst the woods and then enjoy afternoon tea in front of a blazing log fire while at Abbotsford near Melrose, the guided tours that are taking place during the Festival will include a chance to stroll amongst he woods that were planted by Sir Walter Scott himself.

Dozens of gardens and estates, from Wester Ross to the Borders, are taking part in the Festival including Armadale Castle on Skye, Blair Atholl in Perthshire and Ardkinglas in Argyll where visitors can see some of Scotland's 'Champion' trees - the biggest and broadest of their kind in the country.

These and the many other events that will be taking part have been organised by Discover Scottish Gardens, which represents gardens and nurseries across the country.

Joanna Macpherson, director, DSG, said: “Against the backdrop of COP26 taking place in Glasgow, trees have never been more important and Scotland not only has a unique legacy of historic trees, but through careful conservation and replanting, this country’s tree cover is increasing once again.

“The Festival allows us to celebrate the place of trees in our lives, to enjoy their beauty and to explore how we can make more of them in our own gardens."