A collection of rare trees on Kinnoull Hill has been saved thanks to an £80,000 legacy from a Perth-born naturalist.
The cash was left to the Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust by Jim Aitken, who died in 2003 at the age of 90.
The arboretum originally part of the Kinfauns Estate but now owned by Forestry Commission Scotland once contained a magnificent collection of rare and exotic trees from around the world.
But age, storms and grazing deer had taken their toll, leaving the arboretum a shadow of its former self.
The restoration of the arboretum, which began in 2004, has been the work of the James Aitken Arboretum Committee.
The committee brings together the Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust, Forestry Commission Scotland, the Friends of Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park and friends and colleagues of the late Mr Aitken.
Morag Watson, manager of the Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust, said: “Perthshire has such an incredible tree heritage, with some of the most remarkable trees and woodlands in Europe; it is wonderful to be able to restore part of this heritage thanks to Jim Aitken’s tremendous generosity.
“Jim’s legacy has enabled the arboretum committee to plant more than 150 trees and add paths, seats and information boards so visitors can enjoy this once-forgotten gem.”
Provost Elizabeth Grant, who opened the new entrance to the James Aitken Arboretum, added: “The hard work and devotion the James Aitken Arboretum Committee has put into this project is a wonderful example of the public spirit of the people of Perth.”