Volunteers unite to plant trees

Volunteers from Scotland and Malawi have revitalised a small stand of trees which form a landmark in Caithness.

The group of 18 are on the Global Xchange programme run in partnership by VSO, the British Council and Community Service Volunteers (CSV).

They planted holly, elm and Scot's pine to boost a clump of trees on Wick's riverside.

The team will travel to Mzuzu, Malawi, to assist local community groups and organisations for three months.

Trisha Sangaya, from Lilongwe, Malawi, said: "Malawi has many forests and it is an honour to help the people of Wick by planting a tree that will hopefully flourish over the coming years."

Global Xchange is backed by the Scottish Executive, while the tree planting project at Wick was supported by Scottish Natural Heritage.