The Skipinnish Oak in Lochbar, Scotland has been named UK Tree of the Year after winning a public vote against 11 other contenders. This “impressive specimen” is hidden away in a Skita spruce plantation at Achnacarry and supports an island of native ecosystems, including rare lichens like the black-eyed Susan.
With a girth of around 8m and believed to be over 400 years old, the Skipinnish Oak was unknown to modern tree experts until the Skipinnish ceilidh band played for the Native Woodland Discussion Group gathering at Fort William. George Anderson of Woodland Trust Scotland described the oak as “the tree that time forgot but the piper remembered.”
Andrew Stevenson from the Skipinnish band expressed his delight at the tree winning the Tree of the Year award, mentioning that it has held a special place in his heart since his father described it to him when he was a young boy. The Skipinnish Oak narrowly secured the title with 21% of the online votes cast.
The Skipinnish band, set to perform at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow next year, will compose a new song in honor of the oak tree. Dr. Kate Lewthwaite from the Woodland Trust highlighted that the tree is a magnificent example of natural heritage, shining a light on the incredible biodiversity that trees support.
In addition to the Skipinnish Oak, the Darwin Oak in Shrewsbury came in a close second with 20% of the votes, while the 1000-year-old Bowthorpe Oak in Lincolnshire secured third place with 14% of the votes. This recognition of the Skipinnish Oak’s significance emphasizes the importance of preserving and appreciating the natural beauty and biodiversity that trees bring to our environment.