AN ANCIENT Borders oak tree is in the running for a UK-wide prize.

The Capon Tree, one of the last survivors of the ancient Jed Forest, is among 12 shortlisted for the Woodland Trust Tree of the Year award.

It is believed to be between 700 and 1,000 years old.

The Borders tree is one of three Scottish nominees alongside The Michael in Dalkeith Country Park and the Skipinnish Oak on Achnacarry Estate in Lochaber.

Dr Kate Lewthwaite, citizen science manager at the Woodland Trust, said: “We chose the iconic oak because it captures people’s imaginations – from their leaves to their acorns, these trees are ingrained in our heritage – and the ancients are so impressive in terms of their sheer size and age.

“It’s humbling to think how many events these trees have lived through, and that reaching full maturity they can stand for hundreds of years as ancient trees – all the while continuing to provide vital habitat as they hollow and produce dead wood. Each individual oak is like a unique, miniature nature reserve. There are so many species that live and rely on them, and have evolved alongside them, it is incredible.”

George Anderson, of Woodland Trust Scotland, said: “We are very excited to have three Scottish trees in the running. Each is around 1000 years old with a fascinating story behind it. There is nothing like an ancient tree to connect life today with the distant past.”

The origin of the Capon Tree’s name is uncertain, but it could have been derived from the word ‘capuche’, the hood worn by the monks who sheltered under its branches on their way to the nearby Jedburgh Abbey.

It may have survived being felled because of its distorted shape making its wood less attractive as timber, according to the Woodland Trust.

It is an important icon and for 75 years has been visited annually during the Jethart Callant's Festival where the Callant is decorated with a sprig from the tree. 

The trunk has a girth of 9.4m.

People can vote for their favourite tree from Thursday (August 22) until October 21.