Scotland’s oldest tree
The oldest tree in Scotland is the Fortingall Yew in Perthshire. It’s actually thought to be one of the oldest trees in Europe, estimated to be between 3,000-9,000 years old! The yew sits in an atmospheric churchyard; the perfect spot to rest and reflect on the deep age of the site and its history.
The tallest tree in Scotland
Looming over 65 metres high is Scotland’s tallest tree – a giant Douglas fir in the Reelig Glen. There must be something in the soil in this part of Inverness, as you can spot many of Scotland’s tallest trees in the glen, including the tallest larch and lime trees.
UK's Tree of the Year 2024
An ancient oak in the Scottish Highlands has been named the UK's Tree of the Year in the Woodland Trust competition! The Skipinnish Oak (named after one of Scotland's famous bands) is thought to be around 400 years old and can be found deep in the Achnacarry Estate in Lochaber.
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.
- The Bicycle Tree in the Trossachs – this unusual tree was planted next to the scrap heap of an old blacksmith’s shop. As the tree grew it absorbed the bits and bobs into its trunk, most notably a bicycle from the 1900s which you can still see today!
- Big Tree Country – if you want to immerse yourself in the changing colours of autumn, then Perthshire is the place to be. It’s known as ‘Big Tree Country’ with more than 200,000 acres of woodland supporting local wildlife and species.