A tree which was gifted to a youth charity to mark the Platinum Jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth II has been planted at the Olivebank roundabout in Musselburgh.

The Bridges Project, based in Bogpark Road, was presented with a ‘Tree of Trees’ as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC).

The charity, which helps young people take their next steps in life, joined more than 300 organisations in the UK – including Amisfield Walled Garden, in Haddington – receiving the special trees.

Presented by East Lothian Lord Lieutenant Roderick Urquhart, the tree – a rowan – will become part of the living legacy in honour of the Queen, joining more than a million trees already planted across the UK as part of QGC.

Mr Urquhart was present at a recent tree planting ceremony at the roundabout, round the corner from the Bridges Project, which was also attended by Deputy Lieutenant Iain Clark, Councillors Andrew Forrest, Cher Cassini, Shona McIntosh and Shamin Akhtar, depute leader of East Lothian Council, project staff and trustees.

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.”

Bridges Project CEO Emma Scarcliffe declared it an “absolute privilege and honour” to receive the tree.

She said: “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.

“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.”