Three Scottish oaks, each believed to be at least 1,000 years old, have been nominated for the UK Tree of the Year award.

The trees are the Michael in Dalkeith Country Park in Midlothian, the Skipinnish Oak on the Achnacarry Estate in Lochaber and the Capon Tree – one of the last survivors of the ancient Jed Forest in the Borders.

Trees from England, Wales and Northern Ireland are also on the shortlist of twelve trees that will be put to a public vote in the Woodland Trust’s competition.

Dr Kate Lewthwaite of the Trust said: “I am humbled to think of how many events these trees have survived.”

It has been suggested that the name “The Michael” may be a corruption of the Scottish word “meikle”, meaning “big”.

However, the trust said others had linked the oak to a 16th-century sailing ship called The Michael.

The Skipinnish Oak is hidden in a dense conifer plantation.

The name comes from Scottish trad band Skipinnish after they played at a Native Woodland Discussion Group meeting in the area in 2009.

Band member Andrew Stevenson also remembered the oak tree from his childhood.

According to the Woodland Trust, the origin of the capon tree’s name is unclear, but it may be derived from the word “capuche”, the hood worn by the monks of nearby Jedburgh Abbey.

Adam Cormack, campaign director for the Trust, said: “The history of our country is intertwined with these wonderful trees.

“It is important that future generations have the opportunity to stand under a centuries-old oak tree and wonder what stories it holds.”

Voting is open on Trust website until October 21st.