A centuries-old tree in the Scottish Highlands named after a popular ceilidh band has won this year’s UK Tree of the Year.
The Skipinnish Oak, which the Woodland Trust believes is more than 400 years old but could potentially be up to 1,000 years old, is hidden away in a Sitka spruce plantation on Achnacarry Estate in Lochaber.
Modern tree experts had no idea the oak existed until a chance encounter with band Skipinnish.
The group were playing for the Native Woodland Discussion Group nearby and directed conservationists to its secret spot, enabling it to be added to the ancient tree inventory.
Andrew Stevenson, from the band, said he was “delighted” the tree won the contest.
He added: “The tree has held a special place in my heart since my father first described it to me, and the first time I saw it many years ago.”
The Woodland Trust said the tree is “impressive in stature and history” and is a surviving remnant of the native ecosystem, playing host to rare lichens – including the rare black-eyed Susan which is seldom found outside the west of Scotland – and other species.
This year’s theme was “magnificent oaks”, with The Skipinnish Oak seeing off competition from 11 other finalists to win 21% of the public vote.
It will now go on to compete in the European Tree of the Year contest early next year.
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The Darwin Oak in Shrewsbury, estimated to be 550-years-old and growing very close to the childhood home of Charles Darwin but threatened with being felled for the Shrewsbury bypass, was runner-up.
The 1,000-year-old Bowthorpe Oak in Lincolnshire, a hollow tree with ancient graffiti inside and boasting the claim three dozen people once stood inside it, placed third.
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Skipinnish plan to compose a new song in honour of the winning oak and will debut the tune next September at a gig at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow.
Dr Kate Lewthwaite, from the Woodland Trust, said: “The Skipinnish Oak is a magnificent example of the natural heritage we strive to protect, and its recognition as UK Tree of the Year shines a light on the incredible biodiversity that our trees support.
“We encourage everyone to celebrate and preserve these vital features of our environment.”
