Singer-songwriter Dougie MacLean has launched Scotland’s bid to take the European Tree of the Year title.
The Woodland Trust wants to see Niel Gow’s Oak take the accolade, which was won last year by a tree in Eger, Hungary.
The tree, which sits on the banks of the River Tay near Dunkeld, is Scotland’s first entry into the competition.
It is up against trees from several European countries including Wales, the Czech Republic, France and Bulgaria.
MacLean serenaded passing dog walkers and cyclists with his own interpretation of Gow’s Farewell to Whisky, which he played to mark the start of the campaign.
He said: “Scotland is loved globally for its beautiful scenery and rich musical heritage, and Niel Gow’s Oak is a something that builds a bridge between those two worlds.
“I’m sure that Scots from across the world will join me in getting involved by voting for it.
“I have a personal connection to the oak because I grew up and still live in Perthshire, just a few miles from it, and I also play the fiddle.
“I’ve been fascinated by Gow’s tunes for many years and have performed and recorded a number of favourites in fact Michael Marra’s song ‘Niel Gow’s Apprentice’ was written about me.
“It’s a beautiful feeling to rest under the tree and imagine Niel Gow sitting in the same spot, taking his inspiration from the scenery and the flow of the river.”
The campaign was launched just weeks before the start of the 10th annual Niel Gow Festival.
The festival will see fiddlers from all over Scotland converge on Highland Perthshire to celebrate Gow and his music.
It takes place in Dunkeld and Birnam from March 21 to 23.
Born near Inver on the banks of the Tay in 1727, the fiddle player and composer became a celebrity of his time performing for no less than Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Gow was also a teacher and passed his skills on to his sons and to many other would-be musicians.
According to legend Gow wrote many of his most famous tunes underneath the tree, while his patron the Duke of Atholl would stand on the other side of the river listening to the music as it drifted across the water.
The public can vote for Niel Gow’s Oak at www.treeoftheyear.org. Voting closes at the end of February.