A remarkable tree located in the Scottish Highlands, known as the Skipinnish Oak, has been awarded the title of UK Tree of the Year. This ancient oak is believed to be at least 1,000 years old, and its existence was previously unknown to experts in native woodlands until a gathering took place in 2009. The band Skipinnish, which performed at the event, was aware of the tree and guided conservationists to its location, which is concealed within a plantation of non-native Sitka spruce on Achnacarry Estate.

The Skipinnish Oak triumphed in a public voting contest organized by the Woodland Trust, competing against eleven other trees. The announcement of the winner was made on BBC’s The One Show. The Darwin Oak in Shrewsbury secured second place, while another ancient tree, the Bowthorpe Oak in Lincolnshire, came in third.

In recognition of this honor, the band Skipinnish is planning to compose a new song dedicated to the oak. This piece will debut during a concert in Glasgow next year. Andrew Stevenson, a member of the band who grew up in Lochaber, has fond memories associated with the ancient tree. He expressed his joy over its recognition as Tree of the Year, stating it has long held significance for him since hearing about it from his father and witnessing it himself many years ago.

George Anderson from Woodland Trust Scotland remarked on the tree’s unique status, referring to it as “the tree that time forgot but the piper remembered.” This highlights not only the historical importance of the Skipinnish Oak but also its connection to local culture.

This year has seen ongoing disputes regarding the removal of lime trees, which have already reached the High Court. Additionally, research indicates that over one-third of tree species around the globe are at risk of extinction. The issue is compounded by factors such as root compaction affecting older trees; for instance, a 60-year-old tree was noted to be unbalanced due to its top-heavy structure.