Schools and nurseries across Ayrshire are being invited to apply for a free real Christmas tree as Dobbies Garden Centres brings back its annual Community Christmas Tree campaign.
Dobbies’ Ayr store will donate five Nordmann Fir Christmas trees to local schools and nurseries this festive season, helping children and communities create their own Christmas displays.
The initiative is being run in partnership with Needlefresh and launches today, Thursday 1 October, alongside the arrival of Dobbies’ Christmas 2026 collection.
Schools and nurseries located within 20 miles of the Ayr store are eligible to apply, with applications closing at 5pm on Thursday 5 November.
Five successful applicants will each receive a fresh Nordmann Fir cut Christmas tree.
Dobbies’ Plant Buyer Nigel Lawton said: “We’re proud to continue our Community Christmas Tree campaign and support schools and nurseries across the country as they prepare for the festive season.
“A real Christmas tree can become a focal point for celebrations, encouraging children to come together and take part in festive activities.
“We look forward to seeing how this year’s recipients make the most of their trees and the positive impact they have on their communities.”
Nigel also offered advice on why Nordmann Firs are particularly suited to schools and nurseries.
He said: “Our Nordmann Fir trees are a fantastic choice for schools and nurseries. Their soft, dark green needles make them easy to decorate, while their excellent needle retention means they can continue to look fresh and vibrant throughout the festive season when cared for properly.”
The Christmas trees supplied by Needlefresh are sustainably grown in environmentally managed fields across Scotland.
According to Dobbies, the trees are planted, pruned and harvested by hand by a small growing team, with the approach designed to help protect the surrounding environment, plants and wildlife.
Kenneth Mitchell from Needlefresh said: “We are delighted to continue our support for Dobbies Community Christmas Trees for 2026.
“It’s a great initiative that gives schools and nurseries the opportunity to bring a real Christmas tree into their festive celebrations.
“We’re proud to work alongside Dobbies to help make the festive season feel extra special for local communities throughout the UK, while also showcasing the quality and care that goes into growing every tree.”
Successful Ayrshire applicants are expected to be informed by mid-November and will be invited to collect their trees from Dobbies Ayr during the store’s Charity Christmas Shopping Night on Thursday 26 November.
The evening will feature Christmas inspiration, seasonal entertainment and shopping while also raising money for Dobbies’ national charity partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Christmas celebrations at the Ayr store will begin even earlier, with Dobbies holding a Christmas Preview Evening on Thursday 15 October.
The store will remain open until 7pm, giving shoppers additional time to explore its new festive collections and take advantage of selected special offers, including deals on Christmas trees, string lights, baubles and products in the pet department.
Schools and nurseries interested in receiving one of the five free trees can apply through the Dobbies Community Christmas Trees scheme before the 5pm deadline on Thursday 5 November.