Celtic band Skipinnish will write a song for an ancient oak tree if it wins the Tree of the Year award
A thousand-year-old oak tree was immortalized in music thanks to a Scottish band that named the tree after themselves.
Lochaber’s Skipinnish Oak is competing for the prestigious title of Tree of the Year, beating out eleven other oak candidates from across the UK.
Traditional Celtic-Scottish band Skipinnish, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, has promised to compose a tune worthy of its award-winning status if it wins the top prize.
The tree was named by band co-founder Andrew Stevenson, who grew up near the Achnacarry Estate where the tree grows.
Mr Stevenson led a group of forest experts to the tree a few years ago and they named it the Skipinnish Oak.
The Tree of the Year competition is run by the Woodland Trust to recognise the contribution trees make to our lives and our planet.
The winner will represent Great Britain in the European Tree of the Year competition.
Mr Stevenson said: “I have known this tree all my life. It was part of my childhood and a feature of the landscape in which I grew up.”
“Little did I know that a guided walk with some experts many years ago would lead to Skipinnish naming a thousand-year-old oak tree after us and now being in the running for this award. I am incredibly proud.”
He added: “Our music is rooted in the land, the sea and the people of the Highlands and Islands.
“They are all inextricably linked.
“We will continue to strengthen this connection with new music specifically for The Skipinnish Oak, should it come first in the poll, and to enrich its story.”
Accordionist and singer Angus MacPhail added: “Awarding the Skipinnish Oak Tree of the Year would be a wonderful addition to our 25th anniversary year.
“Be sure to vote for Skipinnish, for this mighty oak tree and for some new music.
“The longevity and durability of this tree puts our short 25 years into perspective.
“But there is a lot to learn from an old tree that has endured for so long in a changing world.”
To vote for Tree of the Year visit https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/. Voting closes on 21 October.
STV News is now on WhatsApp
Get all the latest news from around the country
Follow STV News
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device to get all the latest news from across the country
