Historic Scots Skipinnish Oak, named after ceilidh band, crowned Tree of the Year
The Skipinnish Oak in Lochaber, in the Scottish Highlands, has been honoured as the Tree of the Year by the Woodland Trust. This ancient oak, named after a Scottish ceilidh band, stands proudly in a Sitka spruce plantation and is estimated to be over 400 years old. It serves as a vital remnant of the native ecosystem, providing a habitat for rare lichens and a variety of species, as highlighted by the Woodland Trust.
Securing 21% of the public vote in a competition featuring twelve ancient and veteran oaks from across the UK, the Skipinnish Oak emerged victorious. It will now represent the nation in the upcoming European Tree of the Year contest. The oak remained unknown to modern arborists until the Skipinnish ceilidh band, performing nearby, led experts to its hidden location, resulting in its inclusion in the ancient tree inventory.
Andrew Stevenson from the Skipinnish ceilidh band expressed his delight at the oak winning the prestigious title. He shared a personal connection to the tree, recalling how it held a special place in his heart since his father first described it to him years ago. The Skipinnish Oak narrowly beat out the Darwin Oak in Shrewsbury, a tree around 550 years old near Charles Darwin’s childhood home, which received 20% of the votes.
Despite facing threats due to a proposed bypass, the Darwin Oak secured a significant portion of the votes. The Bowthorpe Oak in Lincolnshire, a thousand-year-old tree with a hollow trunk and ancient carvings, claimed third place with 14% of the votes in the poll. The public had the chance to vote for one of twelve magnificent oaks, with eleven selected by experts and one nominated through social media.
Oaks, known to live for over 1,500 years and support diverse wildlife, play a crucial role in the UK’s biodiversity. With the Woodland Trust advocating for stronger legal protection for the nation’s cherished trees, focusing on oaks for the shortlist was a natural choice due to their deep-rooted heritage in British culture. Dr Kate Lewthwaite of the Woodland Trust emphasized the importance of celebrating and preserving these essential environmental features.
In celebration, the Skipinnish ceilidh band announced plans to compose a new tune as a tribute to the oak, with its premiere set for their upcoming gig at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow next September.
Insights and Summary:
The recognition of the Skipinnish Oak as Tree of the Year highlights the importance of preserving ancient trees that serve as crucial habitats for various species. The public’s interest and involvement in voting for such awards demonstrate a growing appreciation for nature and biodiversity. Trees like the Skipinnish Oak not only contribute to the ecosystem but also hold cultural significance, as seen with its namesake ceilidh band and the emotional connection shared by individuals like Andrew Stevenson. The efforts of organisations like the Woodland Trust to protect and celebrate these natural wonders are vital for ensuring the continued existence of such unique and valuable trees in the UK.