Heritage Trees
- for more information on these trees refer to: “Heritage
Trees of Scotland”, Rodger, Stokes & Ogilvie (2003)
1) Blairquhan Dool
Tree
This
is a famous tree, which harks back to the days when the lairds
exercised the right of “pit and gallows” over their
lands. Dool trees were natural gallows where lawbreakers or the
enemies of the landowner were hanged. The Blairquhan Dool Tree
still has a very brooding presence to this day. Please note that
Blairquhan is not always open to the public. For details please
see www.blairquhan.co.uk
2) Rabbie Burns’
Sycamore
This impressive old tree dominates the grounds of Alloway Old
Kirk. The Bard himself was born just a little way from the church
and immortalised the site in his poem “Tam O’ Shanter”.
3) The Auld Yew Tree
of Loudoun
This venerable old tree by the south wall of Loudoun Castle has
been estimated at 1200 years old. Drafts of the 1707 Treaty of
Union were discussed in its shade. The
tree survived the huge fire that destroyed the castle in 1941
and now lies within Loudoun Castle Theme Park.
4) The Arran Whitebeams
These trees, Scotland's rarest native trees, are found nowhere
in the world other than the Isle of Arran. They can be seen only
in Glens Catacol and Diomhan, approximately 3.2 kilometres south-west
of Lochranza. At least three distinct species have been identified
so far and they are all considered to be endangered.
Arran Whitebeam photo courtesy of Graeme
Walker, SNH
5) Kelburn Weeping
Larch
This giant tree, which is thought to be about 180 years old,
covers about a quarter of an acre! It is a unique tree with branches
growing out in all directions and it regenerates itself from
those branches that touch the ground. It can be found next to
the walled garden of Kelburn Castle off the A78 -an entry fee
may apply. For details please see www.kelburncountrycentre.com
6) The
Kelburn Yews
Two ancient yews are to be found in the walled garden of Kelburn
Castle off the A78. They are thought to be over 1000 years old
- older than the castle and Estate themselves! Please note that
an entry fee may apply. For details please see www.kelburncountrycentre.com
