Her Majesty The Queen, patron of our Society, celebrates her Diamond Jubilee this year. In recognition of this, we will be planting a ‘Jubilee Tree’ in the grounds of Abbotsford House, near Galashiels on 17 May during the Society’s Annual Excursion (jointly with the Royal Forestry Society of England and Wales) to the Scottish Borders and Northumberland.

Abbotsford House is of significance to the Society for other reasons. It was the home of historical novelist, poet and national treasure Sir Walter Scott. Few can claim to have read many (or perhaps any) of his books, but all members of the Society should at least recognise their motto “Jock, when ye hae naething else to do, ye may be ay sticking in a tree; it will be growing, Jock, when ye're sleeping”. That quotation comes from The Heart of Midlothian, one of Scott’s Waverley novels.

James Ogilvie of Forestry Commission Scotland provides us with a beautifully written account of the man, his importance to Scotland and to forestry, in the summer edition of the journal.

I know that our Annual Excursion will be a memorable and fascinating few days in May. It will be an historic occasion when we again cross the border, following the undoubted success of the Irish expedition last year.

I look forward very much to seeing you all again, to meeting new members and in particular to renewing acquaintances in The Royal Forestry Society.