Tree from late Queen celebrated in special ceremony

Bridges Project’s ‘Tree of Trees’ gifted to the charity from the late Queen Elizabeth II following her Platinum Jubilee last year received a special recognition at a ceremony at its new home.

The ceremony took place by the Olivebank Roundabout, just off Bridges Project, where the tree has been planted. It was led by East Lothian Lord-Lieutenant Roderick Urquhart and attended by Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Iain Clark, Councillors Andrew Forrest, Cher Cassini, Shamin Akthar and Shona McIntosh as well as Bridges Project staff and Trustees.

The event signified the end of a long journey for the tree, which was part of the Tree of Trees created for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June last year. The 350 trees that made up the Tree of Trees have been gifted to worthy organisations across the UK. The recipients were selected by the Lord-Lieutenants of each county, who are the local representatives of King Charles III. Bridges Project was one of only two charities in East Lothian to receive a tree back in October.

Speaking at the tree celebration ceremony about the decision to choose Bridges Project as one of the recipients, Mr Urquhart said:

“I and my Deputy Lieutenants were quick to recognise Bridges Project as a very special organisation. The tree and embossed pot that have been gifted are symbols of gratitude for your tireless efforts in helping young people and I know this tree has already brought great pride to your organisation and to your community.”

The ceremony also marked the conclusion of the wider Queen’s Green Canopy initiative in East Lothian, which saw more than three million trees planted across the UK.

“It is most fitting that this special tree concludes the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative in East Lothian. What better place than Bridges Project to conclude this initiative with this extra special Tree of Trees,” said Mr Urquhart.

Bridges Project’s CEO Emma Scarcliffe said it was an ‘absolute privilege and honour’ to receive the tree, which is a rowan.

“It is such a symbolic tree. For the staff and Trustees at Bridges Project, it signifies and recognises the impact we have on young people and families’ lives in our local community,” she said.

Emma also pointed to the fact that the tree will be a daily reminder and encouragement for staff.

“To come out of Bridges Project and turn right – or to drive in every morning and pass the tree – will just remind us of the impact we have all the time and it will really make us strive to continue improving the lives of young people across the local community. It means a huge deal to all of us,” said the CEO.

Bridges Project as a whole are incredibly honoured and humbled to have been chosen to receive one of the Tree of Trees and we look forward to seeing it grow at its new home just around the corner from our building!