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In a heartwarming reunion, the Skipinnish Oak in the Scottish Highlands was named Tree of the Year 2024. The Woodland Trust announced the winner on BBC’s the One Show. The oak, located in Lochaber, was chosen over 11 other contenders due to its unique history. The tree was discovered by modern experts after the Skipinnish ceilidh band played near it in 2009.

One of the recent visitors to the Skipinnish Oak was Bas Visscher, a Dutch tourist who traveled from Rheden near Arnhem. Visscher, who has a background in tree training and a love for traditional music, plans to return to Scotland to meet the band Skipinnish at their Glasgow concert next year. He hopes to reconnect with the band and visit the oak once again.

The Skipinnish Oak has a special significance to the band members, including Andrew Stevenson, who shared stories about the tree with Visscher. Stevenson expressed his delight in the tree winning the Tree of the Year award, as it has been a special place for him since his childhood.

The Skipinnish Oak will now represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year competition. Dr. Kate Lewthwaite from the Woodland Trust emphasized the importance of celebrating and preserving trees like the Skipinnish Oak, which play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity.

The heartwarming story of the Skipinnish Oak winning the Tree of the Year award showcases the beauty and significance of trees in our environment. It highlights the connections between nature, music, and people from different parts of the world. The reunion between Bas Visscher and the Skipinnish band adds a personal touch to the story, showing how trees can bring people together and create lasting memories. It also underscores the importance of preserving our natural heritage and celebrating the biodiversity that trees support.

As we look forward to the European Tree of the Year competition, let us remember the Skipinnish Oak and the special place it holds in the hearts of those who have visited it. The story of the Skipinnish Oak reminds us of the magic and wonder that trees bring to our lives, and the need to protect and cherish these vital elements of our environment.