George Findlay, who works for East Lothian Council, has worked with trees since leaving school but took a mid-career break before returning to the sector.

“The council asked if I wanted to take the course, and I’m delighted I did. It taught why certain practices are carried out and why some are no longer acceptable.”

The level-two “craftsman” exam included theory and practical tests certified by the National Proficiency Tests Council.

RFS chief executive Dr John Jackson said: “The RFS certificate in arboriculture is designed to meet the needs of today’s woodsmen.

“The course delivers a broad base of skills and is recognised as a certificate of competence by local authorities and many other organisations.

“It is suitable not just for those starting a career in forestry but also for people looking to update skills or to retrain.”

Compulsory modules included care of chainsaws; felling small trees and brushwood chippers. Optional modules included specialist pruning and stump grinding.