Scottish Highlands’ Skipinnish Oak Crowned UK Tree of the Year

The Skipinnish Oak, a tree situated in the Scottish Highlands, has been designated UK Tree of the Year. Native woodland experts were unaware of the tree’s existence until a gathering in 2009. Its age is estimated to be at least 400 years, with a potential maximum of 1,000 years. The band Skipinnish, which had performed at the event, knew of the tree and guided conservationists to its concealed location within a non-native Sitka spruce plantation on Achnacarry Estate. It secured its win through a public vote, competing against 11 other contenders in the Woodland Trust competition. The announcement of the winner was made on BBC TV’s The One Show. The Darwin Oak in Shrewsbury was named runner-up, and the 1,000-year-old Bowthorpe Oak in Lincolnshire placed third. Skipinnish, known for playing traditional and contemporary Scottish music, is currently composing a new song in tribute to the winning tree. This new tune is scheduled for its inaugural performance at a gig in Glasgow next year. Band member Andrew Stevenson, who grew up in Lochaber, was familiar with the ancient oak tree. The piper commented: “I am delighted that the Skipinnish Oak has won Tree of the Year.” He further stated: “The tree has held a special place in my heart since my father first described it to me, and the first time I saw it many years ago.” George Anderson, from Woodland Trust Scotland, remarked: “It is the tree that time forgot but the piper remembered.” The oak will now advance as a contender in the European Tree of the Year competition.