THE Skipinnish Oak in Lochaber, Scotland has been named UK Tree of the Year after winning a public vote against 11 other contenders.
The "impressive specimen," which is hidden away in a Skita spruce plantation at Achnacarry, supports an island of native ecosystems, including rare lichens such as the black-eyed Susan.
The tree has a girth of around 8m and is thought to be over 400 years old, but wasn't known to modern tree experts until the Skipinnish ceilidh band played for a gathering of the Native Woodland Discussion Group at Fort William.
Scottish tree that 'time forgot' named UK Tree of the Year for 2024
Andrew Stevenson from the Skipinnish band added that he was "delighted" that it had won the Tree of the Year award and that it has held a "special place" in his heart since his father described it to him as a young boy.
Recommended Reading:
The 'brilliant' Scottish spots named among the 20 best places for a roast dinner
Scottish city 'brimming with culture' named one of the best UK places to live
This 'fairytale' forest in Scotland has been named the best in Britain
The group, which is set to play at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow next year, will now compose a new song in honour of the oak tree.
Dr Kate Lewthwaite from the Woodland Trust said the tree is a "magnificent example of natural heritage" and that this recognition "shines a light on the incredible biodiversity that our trees support."
The Skipinnish Oak took 21% of the votes in an online poll. The runners-up were the Darwin Oak in Shrewsbury, which secured a close second place with 20% of the votes, and the 1000-year-old Bowthorpe Oak in Lincolnshire came in third, with 14%.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel