COUNTRYSIDE rangers are ‘rooting’ for a Greenock tree which has been nominated for a top award.

The Greenock Cut Oak, which is located on the Greenock Cut Trail, is in the running to be named as Scotland’s Tree of the Year 2017.

Walkers often stop in their tracks when confronted with the sight of the ‘mighty’ tree, which has sprawling branches covered in ferns, mosses and lichens.

The Greenock Cut Oak spreads its branches over what has become a well-used outdoor classroom where children are taught.

Staff at the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Ranger Service nominated the tree for the award, which is run by The Woodland Trust.

To vote for the tree go to the website woodlandtrust.org.uk/treeoftheyear and click on the ‘Scotland’ section.