The oldest tree in Eriskay is in the running to be named Scotland's Tree of the Year.
Over 100 years ago by the poet, priest and land rights activist
Father Allan MacDonald planted the spruce over 100 years ago. Until recently, it was the only tree on the island.
Netty MacDonald lived on a nearby croft and encouraged all the island’s children to play on the tree as their cries and laughter reminded her of her own family who had grown up and moved away to work.
Netty died some years ago but her daughter Anne is back on the croft and continues the tradition.
The Eriskay spruce is up against a the Camperdown elm in Dundee, the "filo pastry" tree in Stranraer, the Flodden tree near Coldstream, Malloch's oak at Strathallan and Napoleon's tree in Ecclefechan for the leafy title.
The competition is organised by the Woodland Trust and the winning tree win secure a £1000 care package from the People's Postcode Lottery.
Sanjay Singh, senior programmes manager with People's Postcode Lottery, said: "From
botanical oddities to trees with historic connections or simply at the heart of their
communities -
"I hope the competition will encourage more people to seek them out, enjoy them and vote for them."
“From botanical oddities to trees with historic connections or simply at the heart of their communities, these are great examples of trees which are cherished,” said Sanjay Singh of the People’s Postcode Lottery. “I hope the competition will encourage more people to seek them out, enjoy them and vote for them.”
Voting at woodlandtrust.org.uk/treeoftheyear closes at 9am on 8 October.
John Maher/WTML
Eriskay tree on shortlist for Scottish title
22 September 2018