Trees you can see in Scotland

Other famous trees 

You’ll find there’s an abundance of trees in Scotland with characterful features, mysterious stories and intriguing legends. Each has its own unique history just waiting to be uncovered.  

• Pear trees in Jedburgh – these trees were grown by monks in Jedburgh Abbey going back nine centuries, responsible for ‘Jethart pears’ becoming popular across the UK. Their descendants can still be seen in the gardens of Mary Queen of Scots’ Visitor Centre.  
• The Birnam Oak near Dunkeld – visit the last remaining oak from the ancient Birnam Wood, which plays a key role in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. 
• Netty’s Tree in the Outer Hebrides – planted by the poet Allan MacDonald, this spruce was for a long time the only tree on the island of Eriskay. It was named after a local crofter who lived next to the tree and encouraged the island’s children to come and practice their climbing on the only tree on the island. 

Scots Pine 

The Scots pine is Scotland’s National Tree, a native species that once swept across vast swathes of the country as part of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest. The trees themselves are full of character, with strong reddish trunks, blue-green needles and twisting branches. 

As a native species, it's played a significant role throughout Scottish history, from fuelling solstice fires set by druids to being pinned to hats and lapels by the MacGregor clan. The ancient Caledonian forest is equally steeped in mystery and legend - once home to bears, lynx, wild boar and other medieval creatures - but one of the most famous stories about Scots pine originates from the 1600s. A local minister believed Doon Hill in Aberfoyle was the home of the faeries, so when he died people were convinced his spirit was captured by the solitary Scots pine or ‘Fairy Tree’ at the top of the hill. Visiting the site is a great place to see the legendary tree, but you can also still wander parts of the ancient Caledonian forest across certain spots in Scotland, such as near Tyndrum in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.  

Walk Doon Hill and the Fairy Knowe route 

Visit the Caledonian Pine Forest 

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Silver Birch 

Silver birches are one of Scotland’s most beautiful trees, with peeling silvery bark and dappled leaves. They've existed in the UK since the last ice age, so it’s no surprise they’re strongly associated with the country’s folklore.  

In Celtic mythology, birches are a sign of new life and beginnings, as they’re amongst the first trees to come into leaf in spring. This symbolism made them important in ceremonies and rituals including Samhain and Beltane. Birch twigs were also often used to celebrate St Brigid’s Day – the Celtic goddess of rebirth.  Partly because of how widespread birchwood has historically been throughout the country, it's been utilised in everything from construction and medicine to tanning and whisky making. It’s easy to see silver birch anywhere in Scotland, such as in the birch woods of Craigellachie National Nature Reserve.  

Visit Craigellachie National Nature Reserve 

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Ash 

Ash is a native tree species in the UK, with full green leaves and light grey bark. Its wood is coveted for furniture making, with its distinctive light colour wood and its hardiness against splintering which make it ideal for tools and handles. 

Known as ‘uinnseann’ in Gaelic, the ash tree has historically been associated with having healing powers and protective properties, thought to ward off evil spirits. It also has strong links to the Vikings; in Norse mythology the Tree of Life was thought to be a great ash tree, which might have influenced how it was viewed in Scotland. Forestry and Land Scotland recommend visiting the Glen Lyon ash tree in Fortingall, Perthshire. Its trunk is over 6 metres wide, and it’s thought to be one of the older ash trees in Scotland at 300-400 years old. Cross another big hitter off your list whilst you’re there and see the Fortingall Yew, the oldest tree in the UK.  

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Wild Cherry 

Native Wild Cherry has a pink hue to its bark and white flowers with green, red and eventually purple berries. It’s also known as ‘gean’ in Scotland, which is thought to be related to the French influence in the country and their word for cherry – ‘guignes’. The deep colour of the wood means it’s often used to make furniture and tools, such as in bagpipe-making or being the traditional wood used for a ‘quaich’ to serve whisky. Other historic uses have been in dying fabrics, food and drink recipes and for certain medical treatments.  

Different parts of Scotland treated wild cherry trees in different ways – in some areas they were associated with witches and not to be touched, but in others they could be grown for warding off spirits. Although the trees are native, they didn’t grow in large numbers so this, combined with their spectacular blossoming in the spring, meant they were usually left untouched. If you miss seeing them in spring, then autumn is also a good time to see wild cherry trees when their leaves turn a fiery orange and red.  

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Douglas Fir 

Although not a native Scottish species, the Douglas fir has been a staple in the country since its introduction from America in 1827. It’s named after the Scottish botanist who brought it back to the UK, David Douglas. The evergreen conifers stand straight, with reddish bark, brown cones and deep green needles. One of Scotland’s tallest trees, they can grow up to an impressive 60 metres which makes them ideal for use in timber construction.  

The Douglas fir might not have as deep a connection to Scottish mythology, but with their impressive height they’re a wonder to behold. Dunkeld is one of the best-known spots to see Douglas fir trees, from the cathedral grounds to the Douglas Fir Wood.   

Visit Dunkeld’s Douglas Fir Wood 

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