My name is Paul Cook and my career in tree surgery began shortly after I completed my Higher Qualifications in Secondary School. Shortly after leaving school I spent 2 ½ years working as an assistant forester on Winton Estate in Pencaitland, East Lothian . It was during the time that I gained a wealth of experience under the supervision of a skilled head forester. From this job I was able to gain a knowledge and understanding upon which to base my professional development, before spending time at the School of Forestry in Inverness .